A hospital worker at Watford General Hospital was suspended for rolling his trousers up on one of the hottest days of the year this week.
This followed a request by workers at the hospital for permission to wear three quarter length trousers instead of their black combat trousers, which was declined by the trust.
Following the disagreement with the trust many hospital workers started rolling up their trousers when they were hot.
A hospital worker at Watford General Hospital was suspended for rolling his trousers up on one of the hottest days of the year this week.
This followed a request by workers at the hospital for permission to wear three quarter length trousers instead of their black combat trousers, which was declined by the trust.
Following the disagreement with the trust many hospital workers started rolling up their trousers when they were hot.
The safety representative, Michael Wood, was suspended from work when he refused to roll down his trousers during the hot weather.
The GMB union has highlighted that there is no legislation in place for working in hot temperatures and guidelines only require an employer to act reasonably.
However, the union has urged for that more rest breaks, bottled water and shorter three quarter length light trousers to assist the workers working in temperatures of more than 30 degrees.
Michael Dooley, GMB local representative, said the porters are paid minimum wage and yet ‘are expected to continue working as normal in the searing heat whilst managers sit in air conditioned offices’.
He said: ‘Because of the unusually high temperatures, the NHS managers in Watford General have adopted a reasonable approach towards their workforce.
‘However, Medirest consider suspending safety reps is the preferred option, this of course may intimidate other workers into submission to ensure compliance.
‘The spirit of good will and cooperation seems to have died in Watford General hospital.’
