AN Alcester firm which provides carers for the old and disabled in their homes, is facing a compensation claim by a former carer who alleges an "unfavourable" reference prevented him getting another job.

Mr Hans Dorr, aged 40, accused Midshires Care Ltd, trading as Helping Hands Home Care of Alcester, of causing him to suffer detriment by giving him an "unfavourable" reference when leaving the firm.

The accusation was made at a Birmingham Employment Tribunal preliminary hearing as tribunal chairman Jean Kelly gave Mr Dorr the go ahead to make his compensation claim at a full tribunal hearing next year.

The firm is opposing the claim.

Mr Dorr said after he came to live in England from Germany years ago he was employed by the firm as a carer.

He said his appointment by the Alcester firm was looking after a person suffering from dementia.

"I was a live-in carer with this person, virtually on duty 24 hours a day," said Mr Dorr.

"My duties ended when the person went into a care home and I then left the firm. I asked for a reference on leaving and expected a good one because I had worked hard.

"But the firm gave what I regarded as an unfavourable reference which prevented me from getting a position with a firm in Lancashire.

"I believe the firm gave me an unfavourable reference because I had criticised them about having no care plan and for failing to provide me with adequate rest breaks."

Mr Dorr said he had since started a three-year course on a leisure and tourism course specialising in activities for disabled people.

"I have helped people with disabilities for many years and I now want to qualify as an organiser arranging holidays and activities for disabled people- particularly those with spinal injuries.

"I don't think enough is being done to take disabled people on holiday and I would eventually like to join a travel agency in activities for the disabled."