The Stutes advertised the position, stating Lewer was out of contract but welcome to re-apply for his old job.

BBC: Alan Lewer told he is no longer Histon boss

Courts have also ruled that act-of-war clauses do not apply where risk can be foreseen when the contract was signed.

FORBES: Collateral Damage

He said it was "not true" British nationals had not been allowed to apply for work on that part of the contract but the Italian firm had drawn on its "fixed workforce in order to get the work done".

BBC: EU workers 'no impact' on UK jobs