Tesco worker's "golliwog" jibe.

A shop-floor worker at Tesco, at the Oxford Retail Park, Cowley, complained to managers about the racist slur.

Personnel officials investigated and the man accused of the remark was interviewed and disciplined.

The victim, who is from Oxford but asked not to be named, said: "I was having a joke with this man but then the horseplay turned nasty and he called me a golliwog.

"I was shocked and upset, so I went to see the manager. Afterwards, this bloke was off for a few days and I thought he had been dismissed but now he is back at work."

Tesco spokesman Andrew Coker confirmed the incident had taken place and added that any repeat of misconduct would result in further disciplinary action. "One member of staff made a racist remark to another," he said.

"When this was reported to the management, the staff member who made the remark was immediately disciplined.

"We take an extremely dim view of this type of behaviour and appropriate disciplinary action was taken."

Mr Coker said Tesco staff must comply with employment law containing race relations legislation at all times. We follow the law of the country and won't tolerate racist behaviour. I know of no other incidents of this nature at the store."

He gave no details of the punishment but added that the man who made the remark was not dismissed.

Only this week it was announced that racism will be tackled in Oxford with the help of a £224,000 Government Single Regeneration Budget grant.

Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council, which is heading a group including Oxford police, the city and county councils, both universities, Oxford United and Victim Support, will set up a system for reporting, recording and monitoring of incidents.

It will also develop counselling and support networks, provide training opportunities for victims of racial harassment and establish a workplace consultancy service.

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