Virgin Media has sacked a chronically sick worker in a ‘blatant violation of the Equality Act’,
Pawan Paul [pictured], 23, who suffers from Crohn's Disease, has worked for Virgin Media in Brentford since he was an 18-year-old apprentice.
Mr Paul, who lives in Hayes, was hospitalised in September and told he may have to wear a bag for the rest of his life.
Despite being prescribed very strong steroids and painkillers, he returned to work full time at the end of the month.
Mr Paul, who was an installer for Virgin Media, was asked to cold call and collect old equipment boxes from customers in addition to his installation duties.
Due to the fallout from his condition and his medication, he didn’t collect the empty boxes as instructed and has now been sacked.
Pawan Paul said:
“To be fair, it's disgusting the way Virgin Media have treated me.
“My old manager was like a father to me after my dad died, if I made any mistakes he would tell me and make sure I didn’t make them again.
“Now I feel I’ve been victimised. I feel like they’re saying ‘he’s got a disability – let's get rid of him’.
“I’m one of the main bread-winners in our house, my mum has a brain tumour. I’m not sure how we’ll cope.”
Trevlyn McLeod, GMB Organiser, said:
"The way Pawan has been treated is a disgrace - a blatant violation of the Equality Act.
“GMB stands firmly behind him - we demand Virgin Media conducts a comprehensive investigation into these ongoing issues and addresses the toxic culture within their organization.
"Virgin Media cannot overlook their legal obligations and treat employees with such disregard.”
