Workplace Report March 2008

Health & safety news

Attacked and sacked bus driver is compensated

A bus driver who was attacked at work and then sacked by his employer has won compensation after backing from his union.

When an aggressive and drunk passenger swung a bag of beer bottles against his left arm, GMB general union member Robert Latimer suffered trauma to the shoulder and elbow – as well as psychological injuries which left him unable to return to driving without counselling.

His employer, Travel London, had failed to fit protective Perspex screens, and even alleged that he was the aggressor. But last month the firm paid him £75,000 in compensation shortly before his court case could be heard.