A FURNITURE company worker who claimed he was forced out after revealing he was HIV positive, yesterday won an undisclosed cash pay-out.

Michael Scott had planned to take the company, Barker & Stonehouse, to an employment tribunal, claiming constructive dismissal. However, the firm offered him an 11th-hour settlement ahead of the Newcastle tribunal hearing.

Mr Scott, 33, of Walker, Newcastle, took action under the Disability Discrimination Act.

A spokeswoman for the firm said the settlement had been reached without acceptance of liability and said the terms were confidential.

Mr Scott was not available to comment, following the release of the joint statement.

However, Jackie Woodall, of the GMB union, which backed his case, said: ''Nobody wanted this to go to a tribunal, and hopefully other firms will now consider how they deal with other workers with similar conditions.

''The message clearly is that working people that are HIV positive, or have Aids, should be treated with dignity, and not differently to any other employee.''