A FIRE service worker who has the HIV virus was left `frightened and distressed' by his treatment at work, an employment tribunal heard.

Michael Ashton, who worked as a control room operator at Greater Manchester Fire Service HQ, in Pendlebury, Salford, is suing the brigade for discrimination.

While Mr Ashton's condition meant he was classed as having a disability, it is claimed the brigade failed to treat him as such.

When he faced disciplinary proceedings for being off sick, he was dealt with under the `absence management' policy.

The Manchester hearing was told that other brigades make special arrangements for employees with disabilities.

It was said the brigade was made aware 15 years ago there was no policy in place to deal with an employee with HIV - and there still isn't one.

In the control room, Mr Ashton said he was made to sit away from his colleagues in a place said not to be `the end of the world, but somewhere you would prefer not to be'.

Mr Ashton asked colleague Margaret Reddy to accompany him to one meeting with his watch manager Philippa Palmer because he was baffled as to what it was about.

She said he became extremely distressed and confused in the room and walked out.

Ms Reddy said: "I asked why he had not had a letter explaining the purpose of the meeting.

"Ms Palmer said HR (human resources) told her she was not to speak to him outside the meeting. They had not provided her with a reason and it was standard procedure.

"I pointed out his illness was not standard procedure and he was struggling to come to terms with the illness. He was frightened and distressed."

Ms Reddy said they were told the brigade would get an HIV specialist in to help deal with the case but it never happened.

Fire Brigade Union representative Valerie Salmon described some of Mr Ashton's treatment as a `painful and distressing experience'.

She said: "After many stressful months he wished to remain working, even though suffering from such a serious illness.

"None of the issues he raised were accepted or dealt with."

Tracey Akturan, occupational health liaison officer, said she never put Mr Ashton under pressure when he was due to attend a fitness-to-work assessment.

He had asked to see a Dr Hussain, and she persuaded him to see another doctor without putting him under duress.

She said patients are not encouraged to stick with a specific doctor because they have different clinics and may not always be available.

Ms Akturan said: "I explained to him that he really needed to see a doctor and Dr Hussain was not available.

"I did not want to prolong him being on the sick."

The fire service denies discrimination. The hearing was adjourned until November.