Holiday park operator Pontins has issued an apology following receipt of a legal notice for displaying “shocking” discrimination against Irish Travellers.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) discovered that Pontins had compiled a list of common Irish surnames categorised as “undesirable guests”.
Staff were instructed to reject or cancel bookings made under these names or by individuals with Irish accents. Pontins stated that the call centre where these incidents occurred had been shut down.
Among the names listed as undesirable guests, as depicted in an image included in the EHRC report, were Boyle, Keefe, Gallagher, O’Donnell, McGuiness, Murphy, and O’Reilly.
Additionally, the EHRC found evidence of a “banned list” containing the names of individuals believed to be Irish Travellers and their associates.
Moreover, the EHRC noted that Pontins implemented regulations requiring guests to be listed on the electoral register, which the commission deemed discriminatory against Gypsies and Travellers, as they are less likely to be registered.
Consequently, the EHRC issued Pontins with an “unlawful act notice,” mandating the company to formulate an action plan by April 9 to address these concerns. Failure to comply could result in criminal penalties for the company.
Pontins – which owned by Britannia Jinky Jersey Limited – said it was reviewing the EHRC’s judgements.
A spokesperson told the BBC: “The specific incidents reported by the EHRC are historic issues, pre-dating 2018. The call centre where the incidents took place has now closed and the majority of the staff involved have now left Pontins.
“We apologise to all who may have been affected. Pontins is committed to ensuring ongoing compliance with the Equality Act 2010.”
The commission pointed out that Pontins must take steps to prevent future discrimination that include engaging with the Gypsy and Traveller community, monitoring booking cancellations and failures and reviewing its policies and procedures.
It began looking into the allegations of discrimination in 2020 after a whistle-blower came forward about the “undesirable guests” list.
A formal investigation was launched in 2022 after the EHRC said it was “not satisfied that Pontins was taking the required steps to prevent unlawful discrimination from occurring”.
Chris McDonagh, a representative of Friends, Families and Travellers – a charity that works to end discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people – said: “It is deeply saddening that Irish Traveller people have become so used to hate and prejudice.
“Whilst we are certain that Pontins are not the only ones operating such discriminatory policies, we welcome the EHRC’s investigation and commend the whistleblower’s principled stance.
“Everyone deserves to live free from hate and prejudice.”
