A Tyneside security guard has won a 'groundbreaking' victory

after claiming his employer would not let him go to the toilet at work. GMB member Gavin Ruddick said Reliance Security Services Ltd told him he could not take any breaks during a 12-hour shift at an office block. A Newcastle employment tribunal ruled that the security industry is not exempt from Working Time Regulations and while it is not subject to the law that requires workers to have a 20 minute rest break every six hours, it must do 'the next best thing,' such as allow a number of shorter rest periods or one longer period. It stated that if any company were to be as ridiculous as to prevent a security guard from going to the toilet, then it might be guilty of degrading and inhuman treatment under the Human Rights Act. GMB's Joan Hoggins said: 'This is a great result for our members and this will now send a clear message that the security industry does not fall outside the Working Time Directive and they must treat their workers fairly or pay the price. I could not believe that when Gavin approached me, informing me that he was to do a 12 hour shift, he was denied the right of any form of rest breaks.' A further hearing will decide compensation. TUC launched its 'gotta go!' toilet breaks campaign in February .