A YORKSHIRE engineering company has been accused of suspending a trade union representative because he went for a Covid-19 booster injection during working hours.

The worker, who has not been named, is employed at Longwood Engineering in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire and is a member of the GMB union.

GMB says the worker faces disciplinary action and may lose his job.

The union said workers at the site had previously been allowed time off to have their first and second Covid vaccinations but the company decided to change its policy, making it more difficult for workers to get vaccinated. 

GMB organiser Andrew Aldwinkle said: “I find it incredible that in the middle of a continuing pandemic, Longwood Engineering would take the decision to suspend anyone for going for a Covid vaccination. 

“Any reasonable employer would give workers time off to go get their jab. 

“I have spoken with the company to try and resolve the issue, but they are determined to make an example of our rep.

“The company needs to take a long hard look at itself and start to act reasonably, reinstate our rep immediately and get round the table to have a discussion on how we can avoid this situation going forward.” 

A spokeswoman for Longwood Engineering said: “I do not think it is appropriate to comment until all the parties involved have been consulted.”

The company makes specialist equipment for the waste water treatment industry. Its customers include all 12 major water companies in Britain, as well as companies overseas.