Disabled Bristol shopper told 'to be quick' by Tesco staff
A visually impaired Bristol woman was told by Tesco staff she could only have help with her shopping if she was "quick".
Pat Alexander, 59, who has been partially sighted since birth and has a guide dog, said she was disgusted at the attitude shown towards her at the supermarket in Brislington.
-
On one occasion, Ms Alexander says she was even asked if she could return to the shop when it was less busy if she needed assistance.
She has made complaints to Tesco managers but has been disappointed with their responses.
Ms Alexander, who works as a telephonist at the Royal Bank of Scotland, visits the shop every Saturday and asks if an employee can accompany her around the aisles with her trolley.
She said: "I asked for some help and an employee said he would get a girl off the till for me but then he said 'can you be quick because we are really busy?' I know it's busy on a Saturday but that's the only day I can do it because I work throughout the week.
"I was even told on one occasion, 'can you come back on another day?'"
Ms Alexander, who lives in Derrick Road, Stockwood, said she normally spends between 30 minutes and an hour going around the shop with a helper.
She said: "I've spoken to managers about it but all they say is 'sorry' and nothing seems to be done about it. The sad thing is there have been some lovely staff who have taken me around the shop.
"I've spoken to the Royal National Institute of Blind People and they have said I should take this case further."
Bill Alker, spokesman for the RNIB, said: "This is absolutely unacceptable. Any customer with or without a disability receiving such an appalling level of service would have every right to complain and seriously to consider not visiting the same shop again.
"The Disability Discrimination Act is the law which governs potential cases of discrimination."
A spokeswoman for Tesco said: "We always try to help those customers who require extra assistance with their shopping.
"At busy times we may have to make special arrangements to ensure we have the staff available to help.
"We are sorry if Ms Alexander did not feel she received the best possible service on this occasion and the store is looking into this matter."
105 Comments
View all
by Mr N, Bristol, Bristol
Friday, October 09 2009, 6:50PM
“I sometimes feel that the disability card is used inappropriately. As long as the store has given a fair reason or offered an alternative solution then I don't see a problem. Disability shouldn't even come into it !!!
It seems like this lady would complain about the price of potatoes next !!”
by Julraj, Clifton, Bristol
Thursday, October 08 2009, 10:51PM
“Rachel,
You're organisation demonstrates how determined and self motivated you are to not become reliant on people. You deserve serious respect for that.
This woman on the other hand shows no determination, milks us dry on DLA and expects the store's help regardless of their circumstances. Would she have said the same thing if she went into Oxfam, William Hill or a random curry house? Of course not, Tesco may throw her a few bob to shut up.
I bet you anything she wasn't bothered until she spoke to a friend who said she would contact the BEP and sort out some compo. The partially sighted woman is a theif and should be punished.”
by Rachel, Bristol
Thursday, October 08 2009, 9:14PM
“I'm currently recovering from hip surgery, which means that when I want to go round a supermarket or cribbs or wherever, I need a wheelchair.
However, I will always check online first, to make sure they can supply one, and if the website mentions that they only have a limited number then I call in the day before to book one. I also always go with someone who can wheel me about and help me.
I know that this is only temporary for me, but I've found no problem in having to plan things a bit more to make things easier. I can understand that this woman was irritated by the persons attitude but Saturdays is the worst time to shop with assistance! I've been going during the evening in the week as it's a lot quieter and a lot more people are around to help.
Oh, and I completely agree with what people have said about Asda, by the far the most helpful store staff I've met.”
by Mark, Downend
Thursday, October 08 2009, 6:59PM
“ok yvonne i must dash now darling, i have dinner reservations with the landed gentry, i believe its smoked salmon for starters! toodlepip. hannah, bristol( in my mansion
Lets play who hasnt been to a restaurant which isnt a BYO or a McRestaurant?”
by Chris, Dorset
Thursday, October 08 2009, 6:10PM
“Remind me never to visit Bristol
I suspect most on here are employees of Tesco which explains why their service is so appalling”