Safety rep takes time off refusal case

A safety rep for civil service union PCS, Susan Catten, is to take an employment tribunal case against the Benefits Agency over its refusal to allow her paid time off to attend the recently developed "Stage III" TUC health and safety course. The course leads to a certificate in occupational safety and health. It is believed to be the first case to be taken over a refusal of paid time off to attend the course.

Catten, who is the safety rep for more than 130 workers at the Benefits Agency in Hackney, east London, says that her employer refused her time off on the grounds that the course is not relevant, despite the fact that two other Benefits Agency safety reps have been allowed time off for the course.As a result of being refused day release to attend the 36-week course, she is currently doing it during the evening, which involves having to pay for childcare and means that she will not finish the course for two years. The tribunal hearing has been set for the end of October.