Asda shop manager acknowledges ‘unacceptable’ employee comments about the Welsh language

The manager of the Asda store in Wrexham has acknowledged the “unacceptable” nature of one of their employees’ comments about the Welsh language.

The employee came to the self-service machine in the shop, made a comment that the machine was in Welsh, and changed it back to English saying that “no one understands it”.

The customer explained that the machine would automatically switch back to English for the next customer but says he was ignored by the staff member.

The incident came to light after a comment by NicfromWales on Twitter, and later reported by Golwg360.

“At Asda in Wrecsam. A lady comes over to approve an age-restricted product. Comments that the machine is in Welsh and changes it back to English,” he said.

“We tell her that we chose Welsh. She replies ‘well nobody else can understand it’.

“We explain that it’ll change back for the next customer, and she huffs and walks off. She comes back afterwards for another item and we say thanks, and she ignores us.”

Hw said that the store manager in Wrexham later acknowledged that the comment was “unacceptable,” and spoke to the member of staff involved.

At @asda in Wrecsam. A lady comes over to approve an age-restricted product. Comments that the machine is in Welsh and changes it back to English. We tell her that we chose Welsh. She replies “well nobody else can understand it”. 1/2

— Nic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇪🇺🏳️‍🌈 (@nicfromwales) April 5, 2021

Other users responded on Twitter to say that they had been privy to similar experiences. “They do it in Swansea all the time,” John Drek Rees said. “Oh sorry, ‘your machine seems to be on welsh’. It’s a horrible feeling.”

Singer Bryn Fôn said: “This has happened to me too – it’s far too consistent. Sort it out.”

“I’ve had similar reactions many a time, across a range of supermarkets,” Dafydd Oliver said.

“On the plus side, I’ve also had quite a few positive reactions where I’ve been told they’re learning Welsh or their children are enjoying it at school etc.”