A smouldering 'industrial espionage' row has flared up at the world's largest manufacturer of wicks.

The dispute came to a head when Matthew Pickard was sacked from his job with Keighley firm Hattersley Narrow Fabrics Ltd.

Mr Pickard, 26, claims he was sacked because his wife Georgina had left Hattersley to work for a rival company.

He says he was handed a written ultimatum from Hattersley management stating that if his wife continued to work for Dandy UK then he would lose his job.

The couple refused to comply, and Mr Pickard was dismissed. He was then promptly offered an interview by his wife's bosses at Dandy for any job which may become available.

The trouble at t'mill began two years ago when Dandy UK was set up by ex-Hattersley employees Andrew Loftus and Dennis McCoy. The Pickards believe they have been caught in the continuing crossfire between the two competing firms.

A spokesman for Hattersley told the Keighley News yesterday: "Any employee is bound by a duty to their employer to keep confidential information relating to the employer's business. Confidentiality is essential for any employer.

"Matthew Pickard was asked to give confirmation to the company that he would not, whilst in their employment, disclose confidential information to third parties which could have a serious effect on the business of the company.

"Mr Pickard was not prepared to give any such assurance. His actions thereby destroyed any trust and confidence between the parties involved so his employment was subsequently terminated."

A disbelieving Mr Pickard says: "Word got around the factory that Georgina was joining Dandy and our supervisor told her that if she went to work for them they would sack me.

"The manager and supervisor told me the only way I could keep my job was if Georgina gave up hers, and there was just no way we were going to do that.

"It just amazes me they can do this sort of thing because they have never threatened me with my job before, and up until this point they had said how happy they had been with my standard of work."

Georgina, 24, adds: "I am not being told where I can and can't work, and we don't want to be blackmailed into who we can work for."

After working as a weaver for Hattersley during the last two years, Georgina swapped companies two weeks ago, taking up a similar position with Dandy UK in Thackley, Bradford.

Dennis McCoy, of Dandy UK, says: "In light of the family's situation we invited Matthew in for an interview on Wednesday and what we have offered to do is consider him for an opening when one is available. We have made this offer on the basis that we don't like to see young families having difficulties and feeling pressured just because we have employed a family member."

Brian Miller, a Hattersley shop steward and representative for the Trans-port and General Workers union, says Matthew is in a difficult position due to the short length of his employment. He says: "Because of the two-year rule and legislation introduced by the last government, his position is very weak. The union will, however, be appealing against the decision."

As he did not complete his two-year 'probationary' period with the company, Mr Pickard has no right to take Hattersley to a tribunal.

Since his dismissal, Mr Pickard has been looking after his 16-month-old daughter Samantha at the family's home in Braithwaite Crescent, Keighley.

"If I wasn't doing my job properly I could understand why they dismissed me," he says. "The whole thing is just unbelievable and I will say my bit because there is nothing to stop them doing this to someone else."

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