BBC.
Now whilst as a libertarian I believe that what you do on someone's private property is up to them, I'm absolutely amazed that the manager in question couldn't see a public relations disaster looming over this decision. No a poppy isn't company uniform, nor is it corporate wear, it's a gesture of respect and only worn during the period leading up to remembrance day. Already people out there are talking about boycotting the store so much so that the store has been forced into making a statement.A Hollister clothes shop assistant was told to remove her Remembrance poppy as it was not part of the uniform.Harriet Phipps, 18, said the assistant manager at the Southampton branch had told her to remove it.Miss Phipps initially refused to take it off, but was made to feel so "uncomfortable" she eventually did.Hollister, which is owned by US giant Abercrombie and Fitch, said it had reviewed its policy and staff may now wear a poppy on Remembrance Day itself.Miss Phipps said she wore her poppy in honour of a friend currently serving in Afghanistan.
You can just imagine the reaction in the companies public relations department somewhat along the lines of "He's done what!" "Oh my God we're going to be crucified over this, doesn't he have any common sense?""Our company policy is currently to permit associates to wear a poppy as a token of this appreciation on Remembrance Day."In the future, we will revisit, in light of local custom, whether to extend the policy to the days or weeks leading up to Remembrance Day."
Seems even the government can't get all the jobsworths working for them after all.
4 annotations:
"in light of local custom"
Reminds me of the HSBC adverts. Have to say, it doesn't surprise me in the least that it is an American company not giving two hoots about foreign traditions - regardless of how important they are to many.
I walk to our local shops almost every day to buy my newspaper (for the exercise as much as the newspaper) and so far I haven't seen a single poppy seller. Nor is there a box on the counter at WH Smiths, which I seem to remember from previous years.
Where have all the flower sellers gone?
I'd rather wear a white 'no more war/bring our people home poppy - but trying to stop someone wearing a trad one is dire. The ghastly excuses are now symptomatic of our collapsed sense of virtue.
If only the assistant manager had read the 'Respect Policy' in the terms & conditions of employment, it states...
You have your own unique set of ideas,thought processes, and values...
The Company treats our employees honestly, fairly and with respect !
Where was the respect for Harriet and her values ? the managers a puppet !
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