By Sam Reeves
The Scottish Press Association

GRAMPIAN, Scotland — A firefighter sacked amid claims he was overweight will return to work after a breakthrough in negotiations today.

The outcome of talks between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland and Grampian Fire and Rescue brokered by mediator Acas has also averted a possible strike by his colleagues.

The FBU was unhappy over the sacking of Kevin Ogilvie by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Ogilvie lost his job after 22 years, and is believed to be the first in Scotland to be dismissed due to his weight.

But after today's talks, both sides said in a joint statement they had reached a "compromise agreement".

Mr Ogilvie could return to work subject to "strict criteria", they said, but refused to comment on what these were.

The FBU had earlier agreed to ballot its members for a walkout over the case.

The union said the decision to dismiss Mr Ogilvie was"too severe" and that an alternative role could have been found within the service for the firefighter, who is in his 40s.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service said it had been forced to act after a "very long and arduous process of support and consideration".

But talks which began last week finally came to a successful conclusion this afternoon, with the two sides saying they had "reached a compromise agreement".

The fire service and FBU said in a statement: "At a meeting today with Acas, it was agreed that Grampian Fire and Rescue Service would continue the employment of the firefighter subject to agreed strict criteria which will be closely monitored by both parties."

They also thanked Acas for helping prevent the situation escalating into "a very damaging dispute".

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