A porter at Watford General Hospital has been suspended for rolling up his trousers on Wednesday, the hottest day of the year so far.

Michael Wood (pictured) says permission to wear three-quarter-length trousers was denied by his employer, Medirest, a private contractor at the hospital.

PA Copyright: PA

Now a union leader has threatened to tell staff to start wearing dresses and skirts.

Mick Dooley, from the GMB union, said: "We're hoping to get round the table to get Michael back to work.

"Failing that, the chief exec of Watford General Hospital is going to see her porters wearing dresses because we're going to tell them to start wearing dresses and skirts."

PA Copyright: PA

A spokesperson for Medirest, a private contractor at the hospital, said: "The health and safety of our colleagues is always our number one priority.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment on an individual case where an investigation is ongoing.

"We maintain an open dialogue with our people on such issues, however, due to the nature of their job and health and safety requirements, it is important that porters wear appropriate uniform at all times."