Former Bedford Group worker makes shocking allegations to Royal Commission alleging missing wages

A former worker from Australia’s second largest employer for people living with disability has come forward with startling allegations of discrimination and lost wages.

After working with the Bedford Group for nearly three decades, a former employee has made shocking allegations against the company of missing wages.

Former employee Stanley Bell alleged the second largest employer for people with disability in Australia, the Bedford Group, has “lost its way” and become driven by profit.

Mr Bell alleged garden crew members were sent home without pay or forced to use up annual leave to cover days they could not work due to weather.

Mr Bell, who was a gardening crew leader based in Mount Gambier, has filed a submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People With Disability over the claims.

A former personal training officer who agreed to speak to Messenger under anonymity said the pay dispute issue was only raised after he started working for the Bedford Group.

Former Bedford Group worker Stanley Bell has made a submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability over alleged discrimination and a wage dispute. Picture: Arj Ganesan

On days over 35 degrees or when wet weather prevents gardening crews from working, alternative training or work is required to be provided.

Though alternative work in the timber mills was offered, Mr Bell said many refused as they were not trained for work on those factory floors.

Mr Bell added most had completed the training courses on offer.

A letter from the Bedford Group safeguarding manager Sarah Hutchinson confirmed there “are no training records relating to (Mr Bell) and any mill duties”.

“I have been advised that you did have a trial at the mill but did not find the work suitable and that most of the APG team members generally declined work at the mill on extreme weather days,” she wrote.

Though Mr Bell was paid for wet weather days over 2021, he alleges he was not given back pay from 2009, when he first started working for the Mount Gambier team.

During a formal complaint meeting, where he was handed the letter, Mr Bell alleged he was denied access to his support worker.

Mr Bell lives with autism, anxiety and a learning disability, and requires help with reading and writing.

Mr Bell said he was left feeling anxious and confused, particularly as he could not understand the letter that was handed to him.

The former PTO from Bedford’s said it was disgraceful how poorly they treated people with disability.

Mr Bell said he used to love working for the Bedford Group but described his last two years with them as “hell”.

“They forgot their way — it’s not about people anymore,”

A Bedford spokesman said they were currently investigating the allegations with its safeguarding team.

“As the matter is before the Disability Royal Commission, we are unable to comment on specific details,” a spokesman said.

“No one will be asked to perform duties they do not wish to perform, and training for alternative tasks is offered and provided.

“During adverse weather conditions, employees who do not wish to perform other duties or can’t perform their existing duties are entitled to leave the premises and receive their pay entitlements.”