A LUXURY Kidderminster boat manufacturer has run into choppy waters over its refusal to allow staff to take a public holiday for the Queen's golden jubilee next year.

Staff at Sealine, Whitehouse Road, have been told if they want to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne they will have to take a day's annual leave.

The move has been slammed as "unpatriotic" by a member of staff, who did not wish to be named. He said it had caused widespread upset at the plant.

The man, who contacted the Shuttle/Times & News, said: "Everyone else is taking the day off. Quite a few factories are organising street parties for staff and their families. In 1977 everyone had the day off but we will not be allowed to do that. It's unpatriotic."

A spokeswoman for Sealine said staff were being given a day off in lieu of the bank holiday which clashed with production schedules.