Yodel said claims that it sacked a disabled worker on “capability grounds” were inaccurate and that it had followed the correct processes.
The parcel courier and delivery service was responding to allegations by the GMB union that it had acted in a “callous” fashion for sacking Tony White (pictured), who had been working for Yodel for 19 years.
The GMB said the 56-year-old, who has several conditions including a spinal issue, had been told by Yodel he could take up a different role at the firm when he returned from sickness.
It said White, who sorted parcels at Yodel’s Waltham Cross depot, had a contract that gave him rights on sickness and duty of care.
But in a statement, the GMB claimed that these contractual obligations had been ignored and the job never materialised and the driver had been relieved of his duties.
Steve Garelick, GMB organiser, said: “This callous act shows that management do not care about agreements or contracts. A man with a disability appears to have been kicked aside.
“This is a new low for Yodel.
“GMB will now take this matter to tribunal to fight for our member’s rights.”
However, Yodel refuted the union’s version of events: “It is sad that a long standing colleague is no longer employed by Yodel despite our best efforts,” said a Yodel spokeswoman.
“The GMBs summary is disappointing and we do not believe it to be accurate.
“We have followed our agreed processes but will of course continue to review in line with any legal requirements.”
