Temperatures soared to over 100 degrees in a Southend clothes store which has failed to fix its broken air conditioning system for three months.

Frustrated staff at Topman, who lost monthly bonuses because of lower sales, are blaming bosses for keeping customers away by failing to sort out the problem.

Workers at the first floor High Street store say sweltering temperatures led to poor sales rather than actions by staff.

During the hottest days, staff left work early feeling unwell and one claimed a worker even fainted.

One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "Staff have been going home sick and one person passed out - it reached 37 celcius one day.

"It was bad enough working in these conditions, but losing our 15 per cent bonuses on our last payday is not fair."

A spokesman for the store would not comment on the bonus issue. However, other sources confirmed that, following the Evening Echo's inquiries, some form of extra payment will be given to staff.

Work to repair the air conditioning should be completed in the first week of September.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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