A GMB member who has received compensation for a painful industrial injury fears he may never find work again after he was made redundant.

Paul Flintoff, 46, from Selston in Nottingham has received £18,000 in damages after being diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a painful disorder which can be caused by prolonged use of hand-held vibrating tools.

But just a few days after receiving the damages he was made redundant from his job as a concrete technician from his employers of more than 22 years, Tarmac Precast Concrete.

Mr Flintoff was among several members of staff who lost their jobs with the firm, which made concrete casts for use in building tunnels.

CTS can cause numbness and a burning sensation in the hands and fingers and can cause pain in the forearm and back.

Mr Flintoff was exposed to the disorder after using various power tools when working for Tarmac during the 1980s.

Following diagnosis of CTS he contacted his union, the GMB which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.

Tarmac admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

Mr Flintoff said he was pleased with the result but now fears his injury will prevent him from finding another job.

He said: “While working at Tarmac I was able to work in jobs where I didn’t need to use power tools but now that I’ve been made redundant I worry that I’m unemployable. I’m restricted to the type of work I can do as a result of the CTS. It is only right that I received compensation for this injury which was caused me so much uncertainty.”

Andy Worth from the GMB added: “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the entrapment of nerves in the wrist and can be a debilitating condition. Many of our members who have worked with vibrating tools have developed this condition or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). These conditions could have been prevented if employees had been given the correct safety information when using these tools.”

Carol Wild from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and HAVS are common industrial disorders suffered by those working with power tools. Both can restrict career prospects and earning capability.

“Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 employers are required to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to health and safety to their employees arising from exposure to vibration at work. It is only right Mr Flintoff is compensated for his employer’s failure to do so.”