Mark's mediation story
Mark was on his way to pick up some milk with his faithful guide-dog, Walter. He couldn’t believe it when has wasn’t allowed in the shop unless he left Walter outside!
“I was on my way to the local supermarket to pick up some milk and some things for dinner, and of course Walter came with me – he makes sure that I find my way safely through the aisles of busy shoppers! I was just about to walk through the door when the incident happened. I was stopped before entering the shop by a Security Guard and told firmly “no dogs allowed”. I couldn’t believe it – Walter may be a dog, yes, but he’s a highly trained Assistance Dog and I had never previously had a problem taking him into a shop, or even that same supermarket. I was so angry about the whole incident that I called an advice line, which put me in touch with the Equalities Mediation Service. A meeting was set up with the Manager of the supermarket so that this mess could get sorted out.
The Manager of the store couldn’t have been more apologetic. He explained that it was company policy that Assistance-Dogs should always be allowed into all of their stores. The supermarket apparently uses an agency to supply security-staff, and unfortunately this particular agency member was a temporary member of staff and untrained in the store’s Equality Policy. This is the reason that I was given and told that I couldn’t bring Walter into the store that day.
The Manager promised to make sure a notice was passed around to all stores to warn them to check that all temporary staff are properly trained in Equality Policy. I suggested that the store donate to an Assistance Dog charity, and he agreed to do give £210. Walter and I never have a problem visiting the supermarket any more!”
