Distributors of the London Lite newspaper have had their basic right to drink water on the job defended after intervention by Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone.

The Hornsey & Wood Green MP acted on a complaint from her constituent that the distributor – ‘The Network’ – was banning its staff from drinking water on the job.

Hornsey resident Alex Chobur got fired from the company for drinking liquids and contacted his MP to inform her of the health and safety violation. Lynne Featherstone then intervened to right the illegal practice by pointing out relevant legislation (Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992) to The Network. Earlier this month Ms Featherstone received confirmation that all distributors are now allowed to drink water on the job.

Alex Chobur comments:

“A shift lasts for three hours, and many people do two shifts a day without being allowed to drink anything!

“I was shocked when fired out of the blue for drinking liquids on my shift. I was given no induction and didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to drink anything until fired. It was terrible to be treated so badly, and that’s when I turned to Lynne for help.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“I was gobsmacked listening to Alex’s story. The behaviour of The Network sounds like something from a Dickens novel, and should not be happening in 21st century London.

“I’m glad that that The Network has come to its senses, but it does beg the question how many other companies continue to ignore basic labour rights.”