Irish retailer Primark has apologized after one of its employees was informed that she could not wear an Irish language Christmas jumper at a store in Belfast because some people might find it offensive.
The Primark employee was reportedly called into a manager's office after she was seen wearing a jumper with the slogan "Nollaig Shona" (Irish for Happy Christmas).
The woman was told that some people could find the use of Irish-language words offensive, according to The Irish News.
Primark has apologized for the incident and told The Irish News in a statement that it has no policy "which prohibits the use of the Irish language on colleague clothing."
"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 said in a statement.
"We support an inclusive workplace where everyone should feel welcome at work."
The incident took place at Primark's flagship store on Royal Avenue in Belfast last Friday, December 15.
The Irish News reports that the woman was summoned to have a chat about a "sensitive subject."
The woman, who did not wish to be named, alleged that her manager informed her that it would be acceptable to wear clothing with a Spanish language slogan but not with Irish language phrases.
She further alleged that she was ordered to report to Primark's personnel and communications departments over the issue.
A Primark spokeswoman told BBC News NI that it has not received any complaints from employees or customers about any issues related to Irish language clothing.
Conradh na Gaeilge, a social and cultural organization that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and worldwide, told Primark to "do better" - in Irish - in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.
Hi @Primark, níl sé seo ceart go leor. Caithfidh sibh gach iarracht a dhéanamh aitheantas & meas a léiriú ar an #Gaeilge, ar phobal na Gaeilge go háitiúil, ar fhostaithe le #Gaeilge & ar bhur gcuid custaiméirí le #Gaeilge.
Do better. Much better.
— Conradh na Gaeilge ⭕️ (@CnaG) December 20, 2023
Nollaig Shona 🎄#nílsécgl https://t.co/amoSJHjbYM
Primark, which was founded in Dublin by Irishman Arthur Ryan in 1969, operates more than 400 stores in 16 countries around the world and remains headquartered in the Republic of Ireland, where it operates as Penneys.
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