A FIRE-service worker who has the HIV virus is to get a payout after suing his brigade for discrimination.

In a landmark case Michael Ashton, who worked in the control room at Greater Manchester Fire Service's headquarters in Pendlebury, had claimed disability discrimination.

The brigade has denied the claim - but agreed to settle before a tribunal was due to resume this week.

It is understood Mr Ashton will be paid less than £10,000.

Mr Ashton had worked for the brigade for five years before being diagnosed with HIV in August 2006.

He told his boss the next day and went on sick leave for a week. He then had further periods off work in September, October, and December and in January 2007 went off with work-related stress. In June that year he requested disability leave but it was denied.

Mr Ashton claimed that at one point, after being diagnosed, he was made to sit away from his colleagues in the control room.

Pat Carberry, of the Fire Brigades' Union, said the brigade had shown 'a complete lack of compassion'.

He said: "The treatment given to Michael at a time when he needed support added to making his condition worse."

Mr Carberry said the case was an example of sickness monitoring being used as a `means to impose discipline'.

He said: "Michael has enjoyed his career with the fire service and wanted to remain as an active member of that team. However, it is the treatment applied to him under sickness monitoring policies that has pushed him out of a service he loved."

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon strongly denied claims of discrimination and said settlement was reached at Mr Ashton's request and following the withdrawal of `a significant number' of his allegations.

Mr Dixon said: "We have tried and will continue to try to engage with the FBU in discussions to review policy.

"However, we take seriously the standard of emergency service expected by the public and, therefore, it is crucial that we maintain high levels of attendance at work of all our staff.

"To be absolutely clear, there have been no findings of discrimination. On the contrary, our managers made substantial effort to support Mr Ashton in his illness."

Mr Ashton has been prevented from speaking about the case under the conditions of the settlement.

But he said after the case: "The situation I found myself in could have applied to anyone with a series debilitating illness - for example someone with cancer - it is not just an issue for people with HIV."