FORMER employees of a charity for the blind who claim they were unfairly dismissed are launching a claim for thousands of pounds in compensation.

Four members of staff are taking the Talking Newspaper Association of the UK and its commercial arm, based in Heathfield, to an employment tribunal.

Tony Dart, who is 41 years old and registered blind, worked for the charity for three months before being told he would not be offered a job after his trial period ended last week.

He is claiming unfair dismissal along with Hazel Andrew who was fired for allegedly swearing in the office, a claim she denies.

Trisha Williams and Denise Bruce were both made redundant from the charity's commercial wing, Talking Newspaper Enterprises Ltd.

All have launched internal appeals against the decisions.

Mr Dart, of Parkgate, Catsfield, near Battle, said: "None of us want to go ahead with this as there are 40 people there and if we win our case the charity could fold.

"But I'm in my forties and registered blind and it's very, very difficult for me to find work. There's a good chance I won't work again.

"We are hoping to get tens of thousands of pounds, and that's a conservative estimate."

The group are being supported by the Graphics, Paper and Media Union, which Talking Newspapers does not recognise.

The Talking Newspaper Association of the UK records magazines and newspapers on to tape or computer disc for the blind.

Aspokesman for the group confirmed there had been two redundancies, a dismissal and that Mr Dart was not kept on after his probationary period.

He added: "In all cases we have acted fairly and reasonably. We have no further comment."

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