A NORTH East oil rig worker has been told he must return to war-torn Libya or face being sued by his employers.

He has been told by bosses that unless he returns to work immediately he will not be paid and they will pursue him for breach of contract.

The worker, from Newcastle, told how the situation has become a “nightmare” and has taken his case to his MP Catherine McKinnell.

Ms McKinnell, Labour MP for Newcastle North, raised her constituent’s issue in Parliament yesterday but was told the Government could do nothing to help him.

The man, who The Journal has agreed not to name, said: “I’ve worked in Libya for about 25 years. It’s very worrying and depressing. It’s a nightmare. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t go back out there if it is safe. But we don’t know what is happening.

“There will no doubt be many others like me. I got out just before the trouble started and haven’t been back since.”

After hearing of his plight Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said he “fully sympathised”, but added: “It’s not possible for the UK Government to underwrite every broken contract that will have arisen because of the conflict. There is nothing that can be done to provide financial assistance.”

Mr Burt said it was essential the war ended “as soon as possible so work on reconstruction can begin and contracts can be replaced”.

Ms McKinnell told the Journal last night: “The minister’s reply on this case was really disappointing.