Spy row over injured oil worker

The worker had sustained a back injury offshore

An oil worker and union bosses have criticised a North Sea company for hiring a private detective to trail him while off sick.

Ensco Services brought in an investigator who put the worker, recuperating at home with a back injury, under video surveillance.

The man said he was "absolutely sickened" and the OILC union claimed it sent a very poor message to workers.

Aberdeen-based Ensco Services declined to comment.

The worker, who did not want to be identified, said he suffered a back injury while offshore last year, which both the company doctor and his own GP diagnosed.

It's completely bizarre, I hope it's the last time we come across it Jake Molloy OILC union

He was recovering at home and had agreed to attend physiotherapy, and was then asked by drilling company Ensco to attend a disciplinary hearing.

The firm sent the worker reports which had been produced by a private investigator, which contained details of his home, his movements and those of his girlfriend.

Wrong message

The man said he was disgusted to discover he and his family had been spied on.

The man told BBC Scotland: "I was absolutely sickened, I felt violated and disgusted.

"I did not know that they had documented."

The surveillance reports detailed the movements of the man's girlfriend, including vacuum cleaning and driving to see another family member.

She said: "I felt extremely uncomfortable. I felt vulnerable. I felt as if my privacy had been invaded."

Jake Molloy, of the OILC union, said: "It's completely bizarre. It's certainly the first time we have come across it and I hope it's the last time we come across it.

"It's the message it sends out to workers about sustaining injury and taking time off for recuperation."

A spokesperson for Portlethen-based Ensco Services declined to comment.