Appeal for sacked DHL smoker

Trade union Usdaw is to appeal a decision by DHL Exel Supply Chain to sack a truck driver after he was found smoking in his cab at a depot. The driver was dismissed following the incident on May 25 at the Stoke-on-Trent site for what the firm describes as "a contravention of the site's restricted smoking policy," which allows smoking only in designated areas, and prohibits smoking in cabs. DHL Exel says the policy has been in place "for a long time".

A statement adds: "The policy is clearly communicated during site inductions, colleague briefings and on notice boards. "Failure to adhere to this policy constitutes gross misconduct. Unfortunately this particular employee ignored the policy which has resulted in his dismissal." Usdaw says the offence did not constitute gross negligence. A spokesman adds: "We had an official on site on Friday and we hope to have a date for an appeal hearing soon."

The Stoke depot supplies Sainsbury's stores.