A PLASTERER who says he endured colleagues calling Catholics `Fenians', text messages wishing him `Happy King Billy's Day' and being forced to remove a Union flag draped over his work van has settled a case against the Housing Executive (NIHE).
Hugo Elliott has been paid £12,500 after his employer settled the sectarian harassment case without admission of liability.
The 57-year-old from Derry, who was supported by the Equality Commission, alleged he "experienced sectarian insults, foul language and some very intimidating behaviour" while working in Coleraine in the Direct Labour Organisation with the NIHE.
"It was an awful time, it was hurtful and it was wrong, and it badly affected my health. I had to challenge it.
"I asked for help, I reported my concerns but they weren't dealt with."
He was off work ill for several months "as a direct result of the harassment".
"I just wanted to go to work and do my job. My religion has no bearing on my ability to be a plasterer."
Geraldine McGahey of the Equality Commission said employers "have a responsibility to provide and promote a good and harmonious working environment".
"They should have procedures and policies in place to allow them to deal promptly and seriously with complaints of discrimination or harassment."
