A former stores operative and fork lift driver alleged his pay was unlawfully deducted for having the day off to attend the firm’s christmas party – which he cold shouldered anyway.

Bartonfirtop Engineering Ltd, of Hanbury Road, Stoke, had given Colin Branford, of King George Avenue, Bromsgrov,e and all the other employees the day off for the event, Birmingham Employment Tribunal was told.

But Mr Branford, who was described as a ‘bit of a loner’, said there had been no written agreement about losing a day’s pay for the party and this was a breach of statutory rights.

He also alleged he had been unfairly dismissed by the firm after refusing to sign an employment agreement. Mr Branford said he never wanted to go to the party ‘because he did not like that kind of thing’ and wanted to go to work instead.

He said the firm eventually agreed to pay him for the day off – a few days before the tribunal case was about to start.

“I was told I could no longer work for the firm if I did not sign the agreement and I eventually lost my job”, he alleged.

He admitted he was a ‘bit of a loner’ but got on well with his colleagues, although he did not like Christmas parties.

Tribunal chairman Paul Brittain sympathised with Mr Branford and said: “Some people loathe Christmas parties.”

The firm denied Mr Branford had been dismissed and said he left voluntarily. They said he had not been allowed to work on the day off because of health and safely reasons.

He would have been the only employee working and there would not have been anyone around to help in case of an accident, said the firm.

The tribunal was told Mr Branford had failed to attend a meeting to discuss his situation.

The case was adjourned for more witnesses to give evidence at a later date.