Shop worker suspended in ‘Tourette’s’ row
A Greggs worker who allegedly told a customer who ordered in Welsh that it sounded “like Tourette’s” has been suspended.
Greggs said the company was “deeply sorry” for any offence caused.
Sioned Howells, 18, from Llanllwni, said the alleged comment was made by a member of staff after she ordered food at the Greggs shop in Lampeter.
Ms Howells said: “I work in Lampeter in a pharmacy and every Saturday my boss asks me to get a bacon and egg roll, so I go and get them.
“I ordered it in Welsh and thought they spoke Welsh so I said it back again in English. Then a different male member of staff said, ‘That was Welsh? I thought it sounded more like you had Tourette’s to me.’
“I was just in complete shock.”
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called “tics”.
Ms Howells said: “It’s ridiculous. The Welsh language is mine and my family’s first language and it’s very important to me.”
Welsh-language campaigners have written to the Greggs chief executive asking for a meeting to discuss their attitude to language following the alleged incident.
A Greggs spokeswoman said: “We take this matter very seriously and we will be investigating it as a matter of urgency.
“We are deeply sorry for any offence caused.”