Two Blackpool bus drivers have been suspended for their – spare tyres! In order to be deemed as safe to employ again, they have been given four weeks to lose over a half a stone. Failing risk assessments and health and safety assessments, the employer felt something needed to be done. Colleagues report that if the men do not lose the weight, they may be forced into unpaid suspension for the duration of 12 months. It seems one must have to weigh in at 20 stone before such dictatorial regimes are implemented and the implementation is justified by fears over the safety associated with the driver’s seats say Blackpool Transport.
Some employees suggest that this behaviour is discriminatory and heavy handed. Seemingly the company has been trying to get rid of people for some time. They are passing off their terminations as concerns over the medical issues of certain employees.
Blackpool Transport is already under scrutiny over medical related dismissals. Meetings with union representatives will take place over the coming days.