Primark insists ‘no company policy’ against Irish language on employees’ Christmas jumpers

Primark has insisted no policy exists banning the use of the Irish language on employee clothing after a staff member was told she could not wear a jumper with the words ‘Happy Christmas’ in Irish.

The young female part time employee was called to a manager’s office last Friday to be told she could not wear the jumper with ‘Nollaig Shona’ on the front.

She works at Primark’s flagship Royal Avenue store in Belfast and wore the jumper as part of the company encouraging employees to don holiday-friendly clothing.

“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.”

The 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.”

Primark employees are encouraged to wear clothes with a holiday theme in the run up to Christmas.

The employee, who did not want to be named, has worn the same top and other clothing that included the Irish language both this year and last. It was never raised as an issue, she fielded no complaints from customers or fellow staff and even received compliments, she said.

She recounted how she was told to report to personnel and communication department.

“She had no clue what it was all about and the last thing on her mind was the jumper,” said Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, from An Dream Dearg. “She was told wanted they to chat to her about a sensitive subject.”

According to the woman she was then informed having Spanish language would be alright but that some people might be offended by Irish. She asked if anyone had complained and was told that no one had.

She said she wanted to know directly she was barred from wearing clothing with the Irish language at work and was told that was the situation.

“There are three or four gaeilgeoirs working at Primark and they are all really upset,” said Mr Mac Giolla Bhéin, adding that the employee has filed a grievance through the union.

He welcomed Primark’s insistence there is no policy and the company’s apology.

But in earlier letter to Primark in Royal Avenue, Mr Mac Giolla Bhéin, as a representative of An Dream Dearg, said it was “deeply problematic and troubling”.

“Belfast is home to thousands of Irish speakers and it is at the centre of the Irish language revival across Ireland… this approach is at odds with the approach taken by your stores in the south of Ireland that include front and centre Irish language directional signage and marketing slogans.”