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Postman sues Royal Mail over derogatory comments
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A postman is suing Royal Mail after a boss called him effeminate and bitchy
Postman Liam Black, who is gay, is claiming £25,000 for loss of earnings after derogatory comments about his sexuality forced him to quit his job.
The remarks were made at a bullying and harassment hearing which had been called following the breakdown of Mr Black’s friendship with a female colleague, Danielle Haynes. Mr Black did not attend the meeting.
In the meeting Mr Black’s manager, Warren Taylor, described him as “gay and very effeminate” and claimed that he had a “girly relationship” with Ms Haynes.
Mr Black, 22, told an employment tribunal at Ashford, Kent : 'As a gay man I found this statement shocking and offensive and was astonished that such a comment could be made in an interview in my workplace about me without me knowing or having the opportunity to respond.
“'This was unacceptable and amounted to a homophobic remark which was not challenged."
Mr Taylor admitted using the words in describing Mr Black’s behaviour, but claimed that he had not meant any offence.
He said: 'During the interview I tried to put the situation into context - I didn't wish to appear un-PC.
“I mentioned Liam was gay - I wanted to clarify the situation. I was aware he was homosexual but this had no bearing on how I treated him.
“I have used the words girly and bitchy towards a heterosexual man before. I used the word girly because that was the nature of his relationship with Danielle Haynes - they were always at each other's sides giggling."
Mr Black became aware off the comments after reading minutes of the meeting.
He said: “To me, effeminate and girly were derogatory terms and should not be used in the workplace. I was deeply hurt.
'”I should have been judged on my conduct as a Royal Mail employee, not as a gay man.”
The tribunal will give their judgment on the case in twenty-eight days.
