M&S apologises for ‘alcohol problem’

Reasonable adjustments

The row started after an employee refused to scan a bottle of alcohol and pointed the customer to another cash register. Islam does
not allow the consumption or sale of alcohol, something Marks & Spencer normally takes into consideration when appointing tasks.

Similar internal guidelines state that Christians do not have to work on Sunday, while Jews do not have to work on Saturday. “It
is unfortunate that our own internal policy had not been followed in this
particular case,” an M&S spokesperson admitted to The Telegraph. “M&S
promotes an environment free from discrimination and so, where specific
requests are made, we will always make reasonable adjustments to accommodate
them.”

Other chains carry religion policy as well

Other British chains have an internal policy regarding beliefs and religion as
well, but a chain like Sainsbury’s expects all employees to handle every product. “If a belief
involves not eating or drinking something in particular, they can still handle
the food or drink as part of their job.”

At Morrissons and Tesco employees can, like with M&S, point out which parts
of the job they cannot perform and both
chains try to respect those choices where possible. “It would not make
sense to have somebody on the till if they cannot handle certain items,” a
Tesco spokesperson revealed to The Telegraph.

(Translated by Gary Peeters)