This factory is not meant for people with weak stomachs. If they have to go to the lavatory during working hours the time they spent in the loo will be noted and salary will deducted accordingly.

More than 100 employees at the Dunbia plant in Sawley, Lancashire, have complained to their union that their wages are docked for every toilet break they take.

But the company, which supplies meat to Sainsbury’s and the Co-op, said the measure is in place for safety reasons and that workers are paid an additional bonus to compensate for their toilet breaks.
One worker claims he was sacked for challenging the rule that cost him up to £30 each week.

Miroslaw Mataga, 28, said: ‘I felt very uncomfortable with the situation. If I went to the toilet, I would take around 15-20 minutes a day which over the week was costing me between £25 to £30.’

‘Because it is a meat processing plant the workers have to wear a lot of protective clothing. They have to put on clothes which includes an overall, a metal jacket and boots for hygiene regulations.’If they want to go to the toilet they can’t go with the protective gear because of hygiene reasons. They have to take it off and put their own clothes on. That all takes time.’

nd the more time it takes for changing and the time they spend answering the call of nature means more money for the factory which is naturally problematic for the employees.Dunbia executives claim that workers are paid an additional bonus which compensates them for toilet breaks.A company statement said: ‘Employees are required to clock in and out when accessing/leaving major food processing production floor areas, including visiting the toilet, to ensure their safety and well-being on site.

‘To ensure that employees do not suffer financial disadvantage, Dunbia increases employees’ weekly wage to compensate for toilet breaks.’Employees are paid this additional allowance, even where they do not use the time allocated for toilet breaks. ‘This scheme, which has had the continued support of the workforce, has operated satisfactorily since its implementation over five years ago.’

But employees say that there is no evidence in the pay slips or contracts which even indicate such allowance for toilet break.