Tribunal backs rep’s right to time off


A health and safety activist with the GMB general union has won the right to time off for training against the wishes of his employer at an employment tribunal.


Grant Bennett, who is a bus driver for people with disabilities, is a safety rep in his area and also health and safety officer for his GMB branch. 


Camden London Borough Council refused him permission for time off to carry out the TUC’s advanced (stage 3) health and safety course, despite his offering to complete it online rather than face-to-face to reduce the time off he would need. The council argued that its recognition agreement with the union only allowed time off for advanced training for those representing a whole directorate. 


However, the union pointed out that transport was an area with many hazards, and that his time off should not be restricted by the wording of the recognition agreement.


The tribunal agreed, saying Bennett had the right to time off under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The judge awarded him £2,500 compensation plus the tribunal fees incurred.


Welcoming the ruling, GMB London organiser Helen Purcell said: “It is disappointing that Camden council sought to block our representative and defended the claim at tribunal.


“We hope that we can now move forward in a positive way to improve industrial relations and our representatives can go about their business without obstruction.” 


https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-london-branch-officer-wins-employment-tribunal-case-against-london-borough-of-camden