Lidl Supermarket Says the Welsh Language Will Never be Banned from their Stores in Wales

After some confusion and a row among employees, Lidl Supermarket said that the Welsh language would never be banned from their stores in Wales.

That was the statement that the German supermarket chain issued after some staff claimed that they were instructed to use only English when they are at work. They also claimed that the instruction was for the staff to speak English when dealing with customers, whether it is their native language or not. Now the local supermarket branch said that their employees are allowed to speak in any language the customers use to communicate with them and that includes Welsh, the region’s other official language.

Lidl issued an apology due to the confusion the matter caused and said that Welsh was never and never will be banned from its stores. The company added that they did not prohibit their staff from speaking Welsh to co-workers. This came about because there were two employees in the Lidl branch in Kirkcaldy, Fife that were prohibited from speaking Polish while they were having their break. One of those employees said that he tried to tell his manager that there were more customers coming to them because they know that there are Polish speakers in some of the supermarket’s outlets but he was ignored.

Initial statement

The German supermarket chain said during a Welsh-language interview that it was the company’s policy to have their staff speak in English so that customers will feel comfortable, adding that it also ensures that staff are in a comfortable environment, where everyone will feel at home.

Public response

The store’s policy was called “appalling” by the Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society). On the other hand, Meri Huws, the Welsh Language Commission said that she would issue a response soon.

Clarification from Lidl

But on Sunday, Lidl UK again wanted to clarify their policy on language, saying a multi-lingual work force is a great asset to their company. In the statement that they released, Lidl said that they understand that there are many official languages in use in different regions in the UK and that they welcome the use of these languages in their stores. They want to empower their staff by encouraging them to use their language skills when dealing with customers, likewise adding that they are encouraging their employees to respond in the language their customers use.

Included in their statement was the clarification that they are encouraging their staff to speak in their native language when they are on their breaks, with a plea that they should also consider their co-employees who do not speak the language because they are sharing the same facilities. Likewise Lidl said that they welcome feedback as they continue their review of their policies.

Official status

The Welsh language is an official language in Wales aside from English. There were several provisions included when the law was passed to ensure that the freedom to use the language is protected. According to reports the Welsh government is already aware of the language ban in the store and is just waiting for the action that the Welsh Language Commissioner will take before they act on the issue. The language commissioner has the power to conduct an investigation on such allegations regarding the Welsh language and can make the necessary call to action for Welsh ministers’ consideration.

Image Copyright: mircovacca / 123RF Stock Photo