Aldren Tomlinson, who has worked at King George Hospital for 15 years, was sacked in February without notice for allegedly stealing company property, a £4.00 breakfast following a misunderstanding over payment in the hospital canteen.

His dismissal by his employer Sodexo, generated much anger among his colleagues who are GMB members.

I was sacked without notice for allegedly stealing company property. My work colleagues were also GMB members and prepared to go on strike unless I was reinstated, which made my employer think again. I'm delighted to clear my name and get my job back.

Aldren Tomlinson

Hundreds signed petitions and held meetings to discuss strike action and protest to ensure Aldren was reinstated.

Watch: "I'd like to thank GMB Union"

The reinstatement came an hour before GMB were to hold a protest outside the hospital and following three days of adverse publicity generated against Sodexo by the sacking.

Aldren Tomlinson said “If it was not for being a member of GMB I would not have got my job back. My friends and work colleagues who were prepared to go on strike are all GMB members. I am delighted at clearing my name and getting my job back.

“Vanessa Feltz interviewed me on Wednesday morning and the support from her and her listeners blew me away. I look forward to going back to work on Monday.”

Listen to the interview on BBC iPlayer