'We were sacked from Rockstar North for trying to unionise'

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) called it a "ruthless act of union-busting".

Jordan Garland, a former senior production co-ordinator, said many staff members wanted to unionise because "we were so passionate about the industry and that workplace in particular".

"We just saw it as something we could do to make it better for everyone," he added.

"So it's a little bit devastating because it's an industry that I love, and I think we all love. We couldn't really see ourselves anywhere else."

He said members of staff were discussing working conditions at the firm in a private digital forum.

Jordan added: "We were talking about working conditions, policy - not talking about projects or anything like that, just talking about conditions.

"That to me that feels like an essential, necessary part of organising. How can you organise a workplace if you can't talk about the conditions there?"

Jordan has worked at the company for 11 years and believes he was the first employee to be dismissed on the morning of 30 October.

"The first week was definitely difficult," he said. "It was a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of tossing and turning about this.

"But in a kind of macabre way, it's good they fired so many people because there is this really strong community element now."

Designer Jamie Trimmer worked in the gaming industry for most of his adult life before being sacked from Rockstar North.

"I've worked there, like, 18 years now," he said. "I think I'm the longest serving person that was fired.

"It's all I know really, and then it's just sort of ripped away. I'm left not knowing what to do next really.

"I never would have expected they would hit the nuclear option of firing so many of us in one go. It does highlight the need for unions."

The group, along with fellow dismissed colleagues, are now hoping to take Rockstar North to an employment tribunal.

However, they may have to wait up to a year for their case to be heard.

In the meantime, they are waiting to learn if they qualify for an intermediate relief hearing, which could see them reinstated in their roles or kept on Rockstar North's payroll.

The issue was also raised at Prime Minister's Questions in Westminster last week by MP Chris Murray.

Sir Keir Starmer said it was "deeply concerning" and promised to look into the issue.

He added: "Every worker has the right to join a trade union, and we're determined to strengthen workers' rights and ensure they don't face unfair consequences for being part of a union."