I work in HR for a water company. We've got changes to make

There’s a moment when I’m asked what I do, when I debate whether it is safer to say I work in HR or a water company – both can illicit quite strong reactions. More people than ever have a view about the water industry, whether that’s, concerns about pollution , lack of investment, bills, or dividends. Some of it is valid. Some of it, in my opinion, simply isn’t true.

But I understand the frustration. We’re a privatised monopoly providing an essential service. People can’t choose their water provider so there is a brighter spotlight on us than many private companies. There’s a perception that we’re only interested in profits and dividends, and because we’re not a public service that everything else comes second to that.

I can’t speak for the whole industry, but I can speak for Severn