VIRGIN Media staff are working in a “climate of fear,” communication workers heard yesterday as they pledged to redouble efforts to organise at the company.

The public faces of Virgin Media might be that of actor David Tennant and athlete Usain Bolt but the reality behind closed doors is that of a mean-minded employer operating amid a climate of fear, delegates heard.

Among the intimidatory tactics cited as being used against workers were “overuse of vehicle tracking, being unable to take proper rest breaks, performance management, working unpaid overtime, misuse of sickness policy and excessive hours.”

Greater London’s Paul Moore said: “The message from the top is this is a non-union company and we’re going to keep it that way.”

Midlands delegate Tony Rawlian contrasted the public image of Tennant and Bolt to an attitude at work that saw him representing a woman dying of cancer who faced intolerant treatment from Virgin Media management.

Telecoms and financial services executive committee member John East said the firm had “created a climate of fear.”

Deputy general secretary for telecoms Andy Kerr warned that employers would seek to use current low inflation as an excuse for low wage offers when pay talks begin.