Shoe chain orders staff not to talk about Brexit to avoid making customers feel UPSET and discriminated against
Pavers shoes has allegedly threatened staff with disciplinary action if they air their political views on the shop floor
NATIONWIDE shoe shop chain, Pavers Shoes, has ordered staff not to talk about Brexit in case it upsets customers and makes them feel discriminated against.
The 1,000-plus workforce, who manage more than 150 stores, have received a written 'reminder' not to air their political views on the shop floor.
Bosses of the chain allegedly threatened staff with disciplinary action if they do not sign a form agreeing with the policy that effectively bans Brexit from shops.
According to a Pavers employee, workers are also supposed to prevent customers from engaging in political discussion about recent events, as to do so is supposedly offensive.
One employee, who is in his 20s and voted to leave the European Union, said: "They have banned us from talking about Brexit.
"I came into work first thing in the morning. I went into the back office and my manager gave me a piece of paper to read and sign.
"The form said not to say anything about your political views and what is happening at the moment, and to keep it to yourself.
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"If we hear customers talking about it we have to tell them to keep their opinions to themselves because it is apparently offensive.
"If you are caught talking about it it is a disciplinary, so probably the sack or suspension.
"I had to sign the form. There is a disciplinary for not signing it - it's head office who sent it down, to all of their stores."
The worker, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "They have said it is because of racism. But Brexit isn't about racism.
"I want to hear other people's opinions. I don't want to be one-sided. But now, apparently, I'm not allowed to talk about it.
"We're not even allowed to talk about it in the office.
"It's the biggest thing that's going on in the country at the moment. I want to hear people's views on it.
"I think it's unfair that they're trying to shut us up about it. It is stopping us from having freedom of speech.
"It's nothing to do with immigration or racism."
He added: "I told my manager that I think it's unfair and I don't agree with it, but there isn't much more I can say without getting in trouble.
"They will be listening to our conversations more now. They will be listening in.
"I feel like I've got to watch what I'm saying a little bit more."
The York-based company released a statement saying staff were not banned from talking about Brexit but admitted they asked employees to keep their political views private.
The notice sent to employees reads: "In light of recent political developments in the UK, this is just a gentle reminder that we would advise against sharing of political views at work, particularly when in earshot of customers (stores) and clients (head office).
"Sharing of political views could potentially be seen as discriminatory in the current climate and could upset those who do not share your views.
"Any employees who wish to share their views via social media should ensure that their profile is not linked to Pavers in any way.
";Thank you for your cooperation during this time."
A spokesman said: "This was to avoid upsetting anyone who does not share their views.
"In addition, any employees who wish to express their political views via social media should ensure that their profile is not linked to Pavers in any way.
"As per our normal procedures staff who do not have access to a computer are asked to sign any communication to acknowledge they have read it."
72.16% of the population turned out to vote in last week's EU referendum, but the Leave campaign won by a substantial margin.
The fallout after Brexit paints a highly polarised picture of the UK, with Scotland and London voting heavily for remain.
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