A VAN driver has won a £32,000 payout from the Government because it failed to properly protect his right to work a 48-hour week.

In a landmark case, which could open the floodgates for similar claims under the European Working Time Directive, David Morris, 51, took on the Attorney General.

He claimed he was not properly compensated when he was sacked for refusing to opt out of Euro working hours.

Last year, Mr Morris won the maximum £12,000 in compensation from his former bosses at Tyneside's Turista Travel, after an employment tribunal ruled that he had been unfairly dismissed. He had refused to sign an individual opt-out of the working time regulations.

The panel decided the company had tried to force Mr Morris to work more than 48 hours a week and sacked him when he refused to sign away his rights.

It was limited to a £12,000 payout because that is the maximum for unfair dismissal cases,

But his lawyers have successfully argued that the Working Time Directive was brought in as health and safety legislation and therefore compensation should not have been limited.

In a fresh action, supported by the GMB trade union, Mr Morris, from South Shields, named the Attorney General in a High Court writ.

Last night, the union announced the matter had been settled with Mr Morris being awarded the £32,000 he was claiming in full.

GMB legal officer Kevin Rowan said: "Hopefully, this will demonstrate to employers they should take workers' rights seriously."