A French polisher who claimed he was unfairly sacked from his job when he refused to switch off his mobile phone at work called his boss a "Stone Age retard" as he left.

John Barrow is claiming compensation at an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal from furniture company British Antique Exporters (Replicas) in Burgess Hill.

The company denies treating him unfairly.

It claims he was not sacked but walked out after being told the firm refused to lift the ban on using mobiles in the workshop, which was introduced for health and safety reasons.

Mr Barrow, from Brighton, told the hearing he needed his phone switched on at all times because he had personal problems and wanted his family to be able to contact him.

When he refused to keep his phone off, he was given one week's notice and told to leave immediately.

He said: "I could only assume I was fired. I was incensed at the insensitivity to my situation."

Because of his pent-up frustration, he voiced a catalogue of complaints about the way the company was run before he left.

He admitted calling a manager abusive names, including a "Stone Age retard".

Because he was angry at losing his job, he contacted trading standards and Mid Sussex District Council to complain about the firm.

During cross-examination, he denied planning to leave his job and latching on to the dispute over the mobile to trigger a reason to walk out in February 2001.

He admitted the company offered the staff the use of an office phone.

But Mr Barrow said the room was not in a private area and he was adamant he wanted to use his own mobile.

The company banned mobiles because of the danger a spark could create a fire hazard.

All staff were informed if they breached the company policy they could lose their jobs.

Managing director Norman Lefton said: "Mr Barrow must know it is highly dangerous to have a mobile phone in a polishing shop."

Mr Lefton said Mr Barrow was a good worker. He had offered him his job back when he heard he was prepared to keep his mobile switched off.

But he was forced to withdraw the offer when he discovered the ill-feeling about the way Mr Barrow had spoken about the company and staff members.

He said: "They were all so scathing in their condemnation, I had to rethink."

The case was adjourned until June 18.