Store worker suspended over Heroes tribute

Adam Austin has spoken of his shock after bosses at a Morrisons store told him he faced disciplinary action when he refused to remove the items.

The 28-year-old has now been suspended from the Portsmouth store until he attends a meeting with management on Friday.

Mr Austin said: “I was disappointed and partly furious. I have got friends in the army and friends who have been in the Army.”

He said he wore them out of respect for the soldier, who had family links with Halifax.

A Morrisons spokesman said staff were generally prohibited from wearing extra items to prevent objects falling into food.

He said: “It’s all about food hygiene.

“The rules are the same in a restaurant kitchen as they are in a supermarket food preparation area.

“The dress code is primarily around the health and safety of the staff member and the members of the public.”

But he added the company had reviewed its guidelines to allow staff in non-food preparation areas to wear a registered charity wristband. How that applies to Mr Austin is unclear, as he works in a food preparation area as well as checkouts.

The spokesman added: “We understand that it’s important to many people to show support for our armed forces.”

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