Supporters of Southland Disability Enterprises (SdE) gathered outside the Invercargill City Council building yesterday afternoon to protest the likely loss of the its contract to sort the region's recycling.

SdE broke the terms of its confidentiality agreement earlier this month by going public with news it had "not been selected as the preferred proposer" for the new contract with WasteNet. SdE employs 110 employees, 82 of whom have disabilities.

SdE also said it had been advised that WasteNet had begun negotiations with the preferred provider. It's expected to present a report to the Waste Advisory Group tomorrow (May 30). A final decision is expected to be made by the Invercargill City, Southland District and Gore District councils at meetings next week.

Lynda Mooj, the mother of one of the employees, said there was a reasonable turnout at yesterday's protest and there had been a lot of other support from the public in signing a petition to encourage councillors to change their mind.

The next public gathering is planned for 4.45pm on Friday at Wachner Place.