 LONG-serving workers at Birmingham chocolate giant Cadbury are being rejected - because the company claims they cannot spell. Dozens of so-called 'temporary' staff, who have been employed at the Bourn-ville factory for up to 14 years, were forced to sit literacy and numeracy tests and told not to return to their jobs if they failed. Cadbury says Health and Safety regulations dictate that temporary work-ers have to pass the tests regardless of their length of service. But local MP Lynne Jones today condemned the company and urged bosses to help ailing staff rather than sack them. "I don't know why Cadbury has suddenly introduced these tests, but if it is a sneaky way of getting rid of workers then that must be condemned," the Selly Oak MP said. "If their staff are found to be struggling with basic reading and writing then Cadbury should help them, rather than booting them out." One sacked worker, who asked not to be named, said staff were told out of the blue three weeks ago to re-apply for their 'temporary' jobs. He said: "We were told by Cadbury's that we 'did not meet the required standard' regardless of our years of experience and numerous call-backs in the past. "I can honestly say I am angry and hurt to think that the years we've all put in at Cadbury's have amounted to nothing and in return for our loyalty they have treated us in such a disgusting way. "It feels like a kick in the teeth. There are other disgruntled employees who, like me, are outraged with the appalling way we have been treated." The worker said most temps had been working on the belts for anything from four to 14 years - but the majority had not been re-employed this year after failing the tests. "We believe the tests were a way of getting rid of us, with no second chances and in an attempt to make it look as if we were denied our jobs fairly," added the former worker. Cadbury's spokesman Tony Bilsborough said: "Because factory safety is so important to us, it is vital that all employees are now able to reach basic levels of literacy and numeracy. "Unfortunately, this means we cannot take on everyone who has worked with us in the past although they are made aware of the need to pass these tests before they re-apply." The tests row is the latest controversy to hit the firm. Earlier this month Cadbury admitted sales had plunged 14 per cent in the wake of the salmonella contamination, which will cost the company at least £26 million. * Should workers lose their jobs because they can't spell? Tell us what you think at www.birminghammail.net/news/yoursay | 
