Tube staff fired over beer cans

The cans were found at Farringdon Tube station

Five Tube workers have lost their jobs after more than 100 empty beer cans and bottles of alcohol were found in a staff mess room.

Tube company Metronet confirmed on Tuesday the staff had been dismissed.

Fifteen track maintenance workers were suspended in October charged with gross misconduct.

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union leader Bob Crow has said he will recommend a ballot for industrial action unless they are reinstated.

Empty brandy and wine bottles and full cans of lager and cider were found in a fridge, cooker and in a loft above the room at Farringdon Tube station.

The cabin where evidence of drinking was allegedly found is freely accessed by at least 60 people Bob Crow, RMT general secretary

Metronet said the dismissals followed disciplinary hearings last week.

Safety director Ian Prosser said: "All our staff are aware of the zero tolerance policy we have on alcohol and breaches of that policy cannot be allowed.

"Zero means zero. Safety is our top priority and is not compromised under any circumstance."

But the RMT union said the evidence against the employees was circumstantial and they should have been tested immediately.

Its executive will consider the case this week before deciding whether to ballot its Metronet workers over industrial action.

Mr Crow said: "The company has admitted that it took no action for two weeks after suspicions were first raised.

"The cabin where evidence of drinking was allegedly found is freely accessed by at least 60 people, including contractors, yet no-one else was investigated or tested."

So far 13 disciplinary hearings have taken place.

Separate hearings for the two remaining employees will take place over the next few days.