Primark has issued an apology after it allegedly banned an employee from wearing an Irish language Christmas jumper saying it was “offensive”
A female employee of the Primark Royal Avenue store in Belfast spoke of how she was called in for a meeting only to be told that she would no longer be allowed to wear her “Nollaig Shona’ jumper as it was likely to cause offence.
In its apology Primark said “We support an inclusive workplace where everyone should feel welcome at work,” a Primark spokesperson said. No company policy exists which prohibits the use of the Irish language on colleague clothing.”
Their spokesperson added: “We are really sorry that this incident took place, this was an isolated event that should not have happened, and we are taking steps to provide further guidance to our colleagues on our workwear policy.”
The part time employee, who does not wish to be named, said she had worn similar clothing with Irish language phrases on it both this year and last year without incident.
It was also alleged in an article by Irish News that during the meeting she was called to it had been said that Spanish language Christmas attire would not be considered offensive.