DEMORALISED busmen are going sick after bosses introduced a zero-alcohol policy for employees, according to a driver.

Staff at Stagecoach Ribble's Blackburn depot are refusing to sign and return a company memo which sets out the policy, says the depot's longest-serving driver Patrick Landy.

The company says there are no significant problems at the depot and its policy aims to improve safety standards.

A memo was circulated by the depot operations manager after a driver complained that employees had not been given guidelines about random breath testing. Driver Mr Landy, who has worked for the company for 11 years, said: "All the drivers are depressed and a lot of them are going sick. As far as I know, no one has signed the paperwork yet.

"On Saturday night five buses did not run and three drivers called in sick on Sunday. A lot of them are going sick because of stress, and some are looking for other work because morale is so low."

Mr Landy, who was recently suspended for refusing to take a breath test, said: "I had already taken two breath tests and both were negative. When I was asked to take a third one I felt I was being victimised so I refused. Mr Landy, 45, of Hodgson Street, Oswaldtwistle, said: "We have no problem with the law of the land, but to say there must be no alcohol in your system at all is taking it too far. How are we supposed to have social lives?

"We are responsible people but we are being treated like children.

"There has been no consultation with staff. The company's line seems to be that drivers have to like it or lump it.

"I don't know of any other driving company in the country which makes their employees go through this."

The company memo states that drivers should be able to provide a totally negative breath test reading at any time. Drivers who refuse or test positive will be suspended.

The memo also says employees who admit they have an alcohol problem will get help from the company.

Stagecoach Ribble's operations director David Ashworth said: "There will always be some individuals who do not like improved standards. I do not believe there is any real problem with morale.

"There is nothing exceptional about the number of drivers going sick at Blackburn. Some drivers have signed the memo but I have no idea how many. This safety policy applies throughout the company and at every other depot.

"I think this issue is being blown out of all proportion."

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph recently revealed four drivers were suspended for refusing to take random breath tests which some claimed were not part of their contract.

The breath checks were introduced after a school bus driver was prosecuted for driving with excess alcohol whilst on duty.

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