Builders for a Brighton-based company have been banned from going topless.

They have been told stripping off in the summer sun is dangerous, ending years of tradition which has become part and parcel of British culture.

Staff at Bluestone have been ordered to protect more than just their modesty during work hours.

The company, based in Preston Road, has told its staff to guard themselves against the rays.

It operates a zero tolerance policy for any employee caught working on site without wearing protective safety clothing and says not covering up under the hot sun is just as dangerous as not wearing protective hats and footwear.

Bluestone's regional managing director Stephen Scard said: "The main thing is avoiding skin cancer from the sun's rays.

"The guys are up there all day and you don't realise the effect the sun can have.

"Generally builders have their hard hats on but don't always cover their arms, shoulders, neck and everywhere else.

"It's hard work trying to encourage a bricklayer to cover up. You get a bit of resistance initially.

"We are looking at reviewing our health and safety manual."

Many other Sussex brickies say the idea of covering up is a step too far.

Lee Johnson, 49, of LS Johnson bricklayers, based in Hove, said: "It should be down to the individual to decide if they keep their shirt on or off.

"As long as you put sun cream on I cannot see the harm."

But Brighton Brickworks director Tom Kiley said: "Bricklayers have taken their tops off for generations and its become an accepted part of the trade. But 15 years ago we did not know the damage of the sun's rays."

Bluestone is working on a number of major projects nationwide, including a £7.5 million special schools project in Crawley.

Wednesday June 18, 2003