A TRADE union, which represents British Gas engineers, has told its members not to cut off the supplies of vulnerable people.

Kevin Brandstatter, Swindon organiser for GMB, which represents the engineers responsible for stopping vital gas and electricity to non-paying customers, has urged members not to bow down to pressure from management.

The move follows the recent deaths of an elderly couple from south London, who died after the disconnection of their gas supply.

Following a national meeting with senior shop stewards, the union has vowed to back members if they refuse to disconnect anyone from their gas or electricity if they believe the household would be put at risk.

Mr Brandstatter said: "This will almost certainly be an issue in Swindon this winter, and our message is that we will stand by our members."