AN IRISH shop manager was called a "thick Paddy" by a colleague at a carpet firm's Blackburn store, an employment tribunal was told.

But a witness was "forced or paid" to make the statement alleging racial abuse, it has been claimed and the hearing in Manchester was told that the evidence must have been made up.

The counter claims were made by Derek Collier, a director of Carpet Factors in Livesey Branch Road, at the tribunal into the case of Gordon Campbell.

Mr Campbell, 25, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, is claiming racial harassment and unfair constructive dismissal.

The tribunal heard that a former colleague of Mr Campbell, Alan Birchall, had made a statement saying he had called Mr Campbell "Paddy" and "thick, Irish Paddy."

Mr Birchall also claimed that he had told Mr Collier about his taunts and that Mr Collier had laughed.

But Mr Collier told the hearing: "Alan was a bit loud-mouthed but this statement does not sound like Alan to me. He must have been forced or paid to do it."

He added: "I never used any of those terms to Mr Campbell and never heard any member of staff use them."

The tribunal heard that a company car used by Mr Campbell was sold while he was off sick from work and personal possessions inside were never returned to him.

Miss Tess Gill, representing Mr Campbell, told the tribunal he had been called to a disciplinary hearing by Mr Collier in August 1999 amid claims he had missed sales targets at the firm's Blackburn shop and failed to keep the place tidy.

He was also accused of sneaking home early from work.

But Mr Campbell denied these claims and when he tried to appeal he was refused.

Miss Gill added that the firm, which has shops in Blackburn, Bolton, and Farnworth, had no formal disciplinary procedure written down, did not give staff written contracts and did not give them written sales targets.

She claimed that Mr Collier was "out to get" Mr Campbell because he had complained about racist taunts.

She said: "Mr Campbell was the butt of everyone's jokes. He was picked on and driven to leave."

Mr Campbell resigned in August 1999.

The hearing continues and a decision is expected tomorrow.