Suspended bus drivers ‘too fat’ for job

TWO bus drivers have been suspended from work for being too fat.

The duo were sent home and allegedly told to lose half a stone each in four weeks.

Their bosses at Blackpool Transport in Lancashire said they took the action to protect the safety of passengers and the drivers.

Today, Trevor Roberts, the company’s managing director, said the matter was being discussed privately with the drivers, managers and union representatives.

He said: “Following professional medical advice the company is dealing with some sensitive and personal issues confidentially with some individual members of staff through internal procedures so that our customers and staff are not put at risk.”

Councillor Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Labour Group, said: “It’s an incredible state of affairs when a transport company takes this action.

“This is the latest in a series of cavalier actions taken by Blackpool Transport.

“The role of a tram or bus driver is naturally a sedentary role, and there must be better ways of managing issues such as this - and it is not for your boss to tell you you have to lose weight.”

John Boughton, Unite regional organiser, said: “There are currently two men suspended, with full pay, who have been told they need to lose 7lbs in the next four weeks.

“If they haven’t lost this weight in time, they have been told they will go on unpaid suspension for 12 months.

“We are currently dealing with this internally.

“We have a meeting on Monday when I hope we can all sit round a table and talk about this sensibly.”