A British shop worker who claimed his employer forced him to wear gloves and work alone after he was diagnosed with HIV won an out-of-court settlement on Wednesday.
Michael Scott, 33, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the north-east of England, won an undisclosed sum from his former employer, furniture company Barker and Stonehouse a few hours before an employment tribunal was due to hear the case.
Scott, who used to work as a furniture salesman, claimed that when he told his bosses about his condition, he was sent to work alone in the company warehouse and ordered to wear protective overalls.
Before then, he had been allowed to work in casual clothing.
According to his lawyer, his bosses' attitudes made his life "unpleasant" and forced him to resign.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Barker and Stonehouse denied any wrongdoing, and stressed that the settlement did not mean they accepted liability in the case.
"Both parties recognize that the tribunal proceedings would have been arduous for all concerned and are pleased that the matter has been capable of resolution without a public hearing," it said.
But Scott's trade union, the General and Municipal Boilermakers, said he had been vindicated by the settlement.
"The message is that working people that are HIV-positive or have AIDS should be treated with dignity and not differently to any other employee," said union official Jackie Woodall -- LONDON (AFP)
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