A Hertfordshire MP and the GMB union have escalated concerns over the treatment of construction workers at Johnson Matthey’s Royston site, warning that 30 workers remain suspended after refusing to work in what they described as unsafe conditions.
The dispute centres on staff employed by contractors Bilfinger and BGEN, who downed tools in a walkout prompted by health and safety issues. The action was the second such stoppage by workers on the site, according to the union, highlighting what it says are persistent problems around safety standards and workplace culture.
GMB said it has since learned that some of the suspended workers now face the prospect of dismissal, alleging that Johnson Matthey is refusing to allow them back on site. The union argues the situation risks discouraging workers from raising concerns and undermines the principle that safety complaints should be properly addressed rather than punished.
The intervention from Chris Hinchliff, Member of Parliament for North East Hertfordshire, adds political pressure to the dispute, as unions continue to call for the reinstatement of site access and for a formal process to resolve outstanding safety and employment issues.
The Royston site has attracted criticism from workers and union representatives for what they describe as repeated breaches of health and safety procedures, alongside claims of anti-union behaviour. The situation has also been overshadowed by the deaths of two workers, described in the press release as “the tragic suicides of two workers.”
In the statement issued by GMB and the MP, one worker described the project as “the worst site I have ever been on”, reflecting the level of concern among staff working there.
Union officials say the decision by workers to walk out came after they refused to continue in conditions they believed were unsafe. They argue that such action should be treated as a serious warning sign for contractors and site management, particularly given the high-risk nature of construction environments and the strict regulatory framework intended to protect workers.
GMB Senior Organiser John Colquhoun said the union believes the situation has deteriorated further, with formal steps now being taken that could result in workers losing their jobs.
“Just as we thought things could not get any worse, a consultation has been opened to dismiss workers on the site.
“Unions are still being denied access and staff morale is very low.
“We are urging Johnson Matthey to re-instate site passes to all affected members and to work with us and the other contractors to improve conditions.”
The union’s comments suggest the dispute is no longer limited to the immediate safety concerns that triggered the walkout, but has broadened into a wider confrontation over access, representation, and workplace relations on the project.
GMB has not provided details on the specific health and safety issues raised by the suspended workers, but said the walkout followed their refusal to work in unsafe conditions. The union claims that multiple health and safety breaches have been recorded on the site and that the environment has become increasingly difficult for staff.
Chris Hinchliff said he was briefed by the union on the status of the suspended workers and called for an urgent resolution, emphasising that construction sites must operate to the highest safety standards.
“I am very concerned to have been informed by the GMB that the 30 members of Bilfinger and BGEN staff remain suspended from the Johnson Matthey site for challenging health and safety issues.
“Construction sites should have the highest standards of health and safety, and whistleblowing ought to be applauded, not punished.
“I urge all parties involved to work together on securing a swift and fair resolution to this as a matter of urgency, lifting any suspensions, and addressing outstanding issues.”
The case raises broader questions for the construction and industrial sectors about how companies respond to safety challenges raised by workers, particularly where subcontracting arrangements can complicate accountability. Major industrial sites often involve multiple contractors operating under tight schedules, with oversight shared between the principal operator and specialist firms on the ground.
For businesses, disputes involving alleged safety failures can carry operational, reputational and financial risks, including disruption to project timelines and increased scrutiny from regulators. For unions, the handling of the Royston suspensions is being presented as a test of whether workers can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
GMB said the suspended workers remain unable to return to the Johnson Matthey site, and warned that the potential dismissal process has created further uncertainty. The union is calling on Johnson Matthey to reinstate site passes and engage with worker representatives and contractors to improve conditions.
It remains unclear how quickly the dispute can be resolved, or whether the company will reverse the suspensions. However, the public intervention from the MP is likely to intensify pressure on all parties to find a settlement and demonstrate that safety concerns are being taken seriously.
As the situation continues, union officials and local representatives are urging Johnson Matthey and the contractors involved to work towards a swift resolution that prioritises workplace safety, restores access for suspended workers, and addresses what they describe as ongoing issues at the Royston site.
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