A SOUTHAMPTON man has won a compensation pay-out after developing severe health problems at work.

Marcin Kurzawski, 39, started at baking company Nicholas and Harris in 2004, working his way up from production line to line manager in only six years.

But by 2009 breathing had become difficult and he had developed a serious skin condition.

In 2012, the father-of-one was diagnosed with occupational asthma, rhinitis and contact dermatitis caused by exposure to flour dust and additives.

Despite being moved to the Salisbury-based firm’s dispatch department, his health problems continued and in May 2013 he had to leave work.

With help from Southampton-based migrant workers’ charity SOS Polonia and injury specialists BL Claims he came to a compromise agreement with the company, which is owned by Finsbury Foods and they settled out of court with a five-figure sum.

Mr Kurzawski, who is originally from Poland, was out of work for three weeks and has since found alternative work in warehousing.

He said: “I had never had problems like that before. As a young man I was very sporty, and I was used to physical exercise and being in good health. It was only when I went to the doctor that I realised that this could have been caused by the conditions at work.”

A spokesman for Nicholas & Harris (N&H) said: “Employee health and safety is of paramount importance to the company and it can confirm that it meets all of the legislative requirements set out by the Health and Safety Executive.

"The company has a full time qualified health and safety manager dedicated to Nicholas & Harris and undertakes an occupational health screening and monitoring programme.

“N&H can advise that a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Health and Safety Laboratory conducted investigations and air quality analysis which identified exposures well below the workplace exposure limit.

“N&H provides respiratory protective equipment to its employees, which conform to the British standard requirements.

“Any claims and issues brought forward to the company are taken very seriously, and all employees are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have either directly or with the assistance of a representative, to ensure they have the support and representation they need, as well as the forums in which to be heard.”