Standby workers win court case

An
employment tribunal decision could effect the way workers who are made to
remain on standby after finishing their work are employed.

Nine
women wardens working in sheltered homes for the elderly in the London borough
of Harrow worked a basic 37-hour week, but they were kept on call for another
76 hours.

The
court ruled that the council had breached working time regulations and awarded
the women £1,500 compensation each.

While
on standby the women could not leave the sheltered housing. The women said this
led to social isolation.

As
the tribunal ruled that the 76 hours on call counted as work, the women are
likely to get back pay worth thousands.

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Harrow
Council is considering an appeal.

By Quentin Reade