TRADE unionists are calling for a worker at Watford General Hospital to be reinstated after he was suspended for rolling his trousers up as temperatures hit 30°C  this week.

Managers at multinational private contractor Medirest had told porters and cleaners they must wear full-length polyester black trousers and banned three-quarter length ones — and followed the edict up on Wednesday by suspending GMB union safety representative Michael Wood.

Medirest has been in a heated argument with GMB over its detailed guidelines, which include instructions on where to get a drink of water. The union is arguing the firm should simply allow rest breaks, bottled water and shorter, lighter trousers.

GMB representative Michael Dooley said: "The NHS managers in Watford General have adopted a reasonable approach.
"However, Medirest consider suspending safety reps is the preferred option, which may intimidate others into submission."