A MAN who was gunned down at work has slammed the employers who have now laid him off.

Tony Holloway, of Rowan Crescent, Dartford, was shot outside a Hornchurch bank in August 1999 while working as a guard for Securicor.

After being treated in hospital the firm pressured Tony to return to work and, despite problems with stress and depression, he agreed.

He returned to work in April 2000, then six months later was attacked by armed bandits on another delivery to Kwiksave in Elm Park.

This time, he was punched to the floor before the cash box was stolen and he was told: "We're going to kill you any way."

Following the assault, Tony again had to take time off work to be treated by both a doctor and a psychiatrist.

But then this summer he suffered a third blow when he was laid off by the security firm.

Thirty-two-year-old Tony says he and wife Tracey are now struggling to support their young children Jack, nine, Amber, seven, and Joe, four.

Tony, who received a Meritorious Conduct Medal Citation for his bravery from his divisional chief executive, says if the firm had been more understanding he might have made a full recovery from the trauma.

He said: "I think I've been treated like rubbish. I've just been fobbed off. All Securicor seems to care about is the money. It's all very well giving out certificates for bravery but it doesn't seem to have any loyalty to its staff. It just cares about the cash it has lost."

Tony, who has been prescribed anti-depressants by his GP, is now pursuing compensation with the Government for his injuries, and from the firm with the support of the GMB trade union.

A spokesman for Securicor said: "We are aware of Mr Holloway's situation. We take matters concerning the welfare of our staff extremely seriously.

"The matter has been referred to the conciliation service, therefore we regret at this stage we are unable to comment on the specific circumstances of Mr Holloway's employment."

November 22, 2001 10:52

Chris Steel