Video games designer sues Microsoft over 'Fag Boy' jibes at work

A GAY graphic designer who allegedly suffered homophobic abuse at work is suing Microsoft for £45,000 for "hurt feelings" and lost pay.

Jamie Durrant, 38, says he was branded "Fag Boy Jim" and there was a "homophobic attitude" within the computing giant. Mr Durrant, of Godalming, Surrey, who earns £50,000 a year designing video games for the Xbox 360 console, is suing Microsoft at London south employment tribunal for discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

He said mocking emails were sent around his workplace with headings such as "I'm Jim and I'm Gay" and "Me and My Favourite Men". He said the firm did not have policies to deal with his complaints.

Mr Durrant, who has worked for 11 years at Lionhead Studios in Guildford, bought by Microsoft two years ago, said the emails began in January last year. He has been off sick for depression on half pay for seven months. Mr Durrant said he complained to human resources chiefs and agreed not to raise a formal grievance to avoid creating an "uneasy atmosphere".

He instead agreed to an email from HR reminding staff of "how to behave responsibly in a diverse office" but, after months went by, he was told the firm would have to draw up new policies before any such email could be sent. He was asked to sign a document agreeing not to raise a formal grievance and confirming he was happy his complaint was being dealt with, but he refused. By then, another abusive message was put up in the staff kitchen, he said.

Mr Durrant said HR chiefs "blatantly disregarded" his complaint. He was offered counselling but said: "They're making out that I'm the one with the problem." Microsoft denies his claims and declined to comment.