Morrisons worker suspended after wearing poppy and badge in memory of Lee Rigby...

[bbfan1991]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/morrisons-worker-suspended-after-wearing-poppy-and-badge-in-memory-of-drummer-lee-rigby-1-5137550

Disgraceful decision by Morrisons:mad:.

[Kizzy]

I am very shocked, surprised too that there has been no statement from morrisons.

[Niamh.]

Not really, he has to wear a uniform at work, his bosses told him he couldn't wear it on his uniform, he should have taken it off, he could still wear it when he's not working

[Marc]

Arses

[Jack_]

I'd have to wait for a comment from Morrisons before I pass proper judgement on this because I'd like to understand their reasoning. I'm quite conflicted on this I think. On one hand, sure, he should be allowed to wear it, but then if you allow that, you've similarly got to allow other employees to wear badges of support for other organisations and institutions which perhaps Morrisons may certainly not want promoted? What if another employee wanted to turn up wearing an EDL badge?

On a similar note though but slightly off-topic, I've never understood the strict rules air stewards and stewardesses face regarding their dress codes and how if they have any tattoos, they must be covered up. Now I'd never get a tattoo and am quite indifferent towards them, but I am not offended by them nor would I care if any employee, air stewardess or shop worker, had one. The last thing I care about while I'm waiting for a plane to catch is whether one of the airlines employees has a ****ing tattoo, and anyone that does care needs to get a grip.

[Kizzy]

I'd have to wait for a comment from Morrisons before I pass proper judgement on this because I'd like to understand their reasoning. I'm quite conflicted on this I think. On one hand, sure, he should be allowed to wear it, but then if you allow that, you've similarly got to allow other employees to wear badges of support for other organisations and institutions which perhaps Morrisons may certainly not want promoted? What if another employee wanted to turn up wearing an EDL badge?

On a similar note though but slightly off-topic, I've never understood the strict rules air stewards and stewardesses face regarding their dress codes and how if they have any tattoos, they must be covered up. Now I'd never get a tattoo and am quite indifferent towards them, but I am not offended by them nor would I care if any employee, air stewardess or shop worker, had one. The last thing I care about while I'm waiting for a plane to catch is whether one of the airlines employees has a ****ing tattoo, and anyone that does care needs to get a grip.

I have seen morrisons employees wearing poppies and help for heros bands too, never an EDL badge strangely..... :joker:

[Jack_]

I think you've missed the point of my post Kizzy.

[Kizzy]

I think you've missed the point of my post Kizzy.

Remind me what it was again.

[Niamh.]

I'd have to wait for a comment from Morrisons before I pass proper judgement on this because I'd like to understand their reasoning. I'm quite conflicted on this I think. On one hand, sure, he should be allowed to wear it, but then if you allow that, you've similarly got to allow other employees to wear badges of support for other organisations and institutions which perhaps Morrisons may certainly not want promoted? What if another employee wanted to turn up wearing an EDL badge?

On a similar note though but slightly off-topic, I've never understood the strict rules air stewards and stewardesses face regarding their dress codes and how if they have any tattoos, they must be covered up. Now I'd never get a tattoo and am quite indifferent towards them, but I am not offended by them nor would I care if any employee, air stewardess or shop worker, had one. The last thing I care about while I'm waiting for a plane to catch is whether one of the airlines employees has a ****ing tattoo, and anyone that does care needs to get a grip.

I agree jack

[Jack_]

Remind me what it was again.

:rolleyes:

Why do you always have to be difficult?

My point was that if they allow one employee to wear a badge of support for a particular cause, then they have to allow every other employee to wear a badge of support for whatever cause they want too, and if that's the EDL, then so be it. And I can't see them allowing someone to wear an EDL badge, can you?

[MTVN]

Help for Heroes and the poppy appeal are charities, and apolitical ones, it isn't the same as promoting a group with overtly political and racist aims

[Kizzy]

:rolleyes:

My point was that if they allow one employee to wear a badge of support for a particular cause, then they have to allow every other employee to wear a badge of support for whatever cause they want too, and if that's the EDL, then so be it. And I can't see them allowing someone to wear an EDL badge, can you?

What are you rolling eyes for?

''Why do you always have to be difficult?''
I asked for a simple explanation jack.
Like I said it is accepted for employees to wear poppies and bands, they sell them in morrisons...
Do I think it will open the floodgates for fascist employees to support the EDL?... No.

[Tom4784]

I'm guessing there's more to the story then what's been reported here but even if there isn't then it's his fault for not following the uniform regulations.

[Jack_]

I rolled my eyes because you were implying my post had no point. You were being unnecessarily rude.

Also, I'm not actually saying he shouldn't be allowed to wear it, I'm waiting for Morrisons to provide some kind of reasoning first. I'm just seeing both sides of the argument. The liberal side of me says people should be allowed to wear whatever they want, but the other side is that well if Morrisons allow him to wear this, then other employees can (that doesn't mean they will, you're misinterpreting my post) argue that they can wear whatever badge of support they wish too.

[Kizzy]

I rolled my eyes because you were implying my post had no point. You were being unnecessarily rude.

Also, I'm not actually saying he shouldn't be allowed to wear it, I'm waiting for Morrisons to provide some kind of reasoning first. I'm just seeing both sides of the argument. The liberal side of me says people should be allowed to wear whatever they want, but the other side is that well if Morrisons allow him to wear this, then other employees can (that doesn't mean they will, you're misinterpreting my post) argue that they can wear whatever badge of support they wish too.

You supposed all that from what I posted jack?.... :joker:
I didn't pass comment as I too am waiting for their side, and I misinterpreted nothing... You suggested that other employees may wear other badges in support of their sociopolitical views, I disagree.
Help for heros and the Royal British Legion are charities, I see Morrisons employees with Marie Curie daffodils and breast cancer awareness ribbons too.... What is the difference?

[joeysteele]

I think at this moment in time with what happened last week and also that the Soldier murdered was wearing a help for heroes shirt that maybe some sensitive tolerance was in order here as to Morrisons.
Many people are looking for ways of showing,for them at any rate, solidarity with the Soldier murdered and his family.
For some laying flowers is the way, others maybe are donating to help for heroes and for some a more public display like wearing t shirts or other clothing with help the heroes on it.

People have been affected by this horrific murder and some feel the need to do or show something, so I feel Morrisons could have been more tolerant for a time as to this and let us hope that it is a one off and no more will take place as to such brutal and barbaric murders.

However, I do also take the view that Jack makes a very strong point as to where do you stop allowing all sorts of other causes being paraded while working.
Lines do have to be drawn I would agree with all that.

On this though, I feel so many in the UK are really outraged at this happening that a little more sensitivity and tolerance to the feelings of those who wish to feel they are doing or trying to do something could have been evident from Morrisons despite them likely having fairly sound reasons for their actions.

[Alf]

Don't see the problem, they gave him a choice and he decided he wanted to be suspended.

I can understand why they wouldn't want him to wear it, and I think the only reason he wanted to wear it was to seek attention for himself, "look at me everybody, aren't I a nice person? please give me attention"

[arista]

I'd have to wait for a comment from Morrisons before I pass proper judgement on this because I'd like to understand their reasoning. I'm quite conflicted on this I think. On one hand, sure, he should be allowed to wear it, but then if you allow that, you've similarly got to allow other employees to wear badges of support for other organisations and institutions which perhaps Morrisons may certainly not want promoted? What if another employee wanted to turn up wearing an EDL badge?

On a similar note though but slightly off-topic, I've never understood the strict rules air stewards and stewardesses face regarding their dress codes and how if they have any tattoos, they must be covered up. Now I'd never get a tattoo and am quite indifferent towards them, but I am not offended by them nor would I care if any employee, air stewardess or shop worker, had one. The last thing I care about while I'm waiting for a plane to catch is whether one of the airlines employees has a ****ing tattoo, and anyone that does care needs to get a grip.


Thats Illegal
while at work.

[arista]

Don't see the problem, they gave him a choice and he decided he wanted to be suspended.

I can understand why they wouldn't want him to wear it, and I think the only reason he wanted to wear it was to seek attention for himself, "look at me everybody, aren't I a nice person? please give me attention"


Don't you mean he wanted Press
and TV interviews?

[Ammi]

A supermarket worker has been suspended for wearing a Help for Heroes bracelet and a poppy in tribute to Drummer Lee Rigby, killed in Woolwich last Wednesday

Adam Austin said bosses at the Morrisons store in Portsmouth told him he faced disciplinary action after he refused to remove the items.

The 28-year-old has now been suspended until he attends a meeting with management on Friday

Mr Austin told the Portsmouth News: "I was disappointed and partly furious.

"I have got friends in the army and friends who have been in the army. What with the issue with Lee Rigby, I wore them out of respect."

A Morrisons spokesman explained that staff were generally prohibited from wearing extra items to prevent objects falling into food products

He said: "It's all about food hygiene. The rules are the same in a restaurant kitchen as they are in a supermarket food preparation area.

"We have a dress code and the dress code is primarily around the health and safety of the staff member and the members of the public."

But he added the company had reviewed its guidelines to allow staff in non-food preparation areas to wear a registered charity wristband.

But how this applies to Mr Austin is unclear at present, as he is employed in a fresh food preparation area as well as at the checkouts.

The spokesman added: "We understand that it's important to many people to show support for our armed forces. Morrisons is a long time supporter of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and we welcome Help for Heroes fundraisers into stores.

"As a company we encourage store colleagues to show their support for the Royal British Legion by wearing poppies in October and November.

"We currently ask that colleagues adhere to a company dress code which precludes bracelets and pins. However, we have reviewed these guidelines and colleagues working in non-fresh food preparation areas will now be permitted to wear a registered charity wristband."

A petition has been started on Change.org to allow Mr Austin to wear his tribute to Lee Rigby and force Morrisons to make an apology, donating £20,000 to Help For Heroes

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1160168/thumbs/o-MORRISONS-570.jpg?6


http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/28/lee-rigby-tribute-poppy-help-for-heroes-bracelet-_n_3346074.html?utm_hp_ref=uk




..I actually think the guy is an idiot...he knew that wearing the pin/wristband was against company policy when working in fresh foods..there were other ways he could have shown respect..but he's tried to make it about himself..and not about Lee Rigsby at all...I don't find what he did respectful, whatsoever..I think it's quite self-centered....

[joeysteele]

Hmm, I cannot speak for Morrisons but the ASDA store I use,it is amazing what the staff get to wear sometimes there, on 'their' special days/events.

The guy does sound like he wasn't willing to compromise in any way so the suspension would be then right.
They say though,they allow the staff to wear poppies in October and November,well I am pretty sure poppies can fall off rather easily too.
Mine always does anway,no matter what I may be doing.

[Ammi]

Hmm, I cannot speak for Morrisons but the ASDA store I use,it is amazing what the staff get to wear sometimes there, on 'their' special days/events.

The guy does sound like he wasn't willing to compromise in any way so the suspension would be then right.
They say though,they allow the staff to wear poppies in October and November,well I am pretty sure poppies can fall off rather easily too.
Mine always does anway,no matter what I may be doing.

..yeah, didn't this one have a pin in it though, Joey..?...

[Iceman]

So it was quite clear what he was doing was against company policy and he then went and put the band on, to blatently ignore his manager....should be on suspension without pay if anything.

[joeysteele]

..yeah, didn't this one have a pin in it though, Joey..?...

True the badge would have had a pin on it,then again so does a poppy when I wear one but I lose both poppy and pin so it is a good thing I am not ever likely to be employed in food preparation.

I've changed my mind now anyway, taking on board the comments here,particularly yours Ammi, I think he should have just simply removed the badge when told to and not even bothered to start with the bracelet.
He could have made a far greater show of both after his time at work finished really.

[Nedusa]

Why does everyone have to be so bloody politically correct ? Why can't on this occasion in light of the shocking murder of this serving soldier can somebody just put their hand up in support by wearing these badges.

He was a serving soldier who represented this country and I think we all owe it to ourselves to make our own personal gestures to the memory of this man.

Sometimes the PC brigade need to **** and let people grieve..!!!

[Kizzy]

I don't think he is and idiot, far from it. He is showing his support and respect (unlike the PM).
It is a lot of jobsworths just trying to look important by doing this, let him work in the non food prep area for a specific period of time... fgs, such a lot of bureaucratic mumbo jumbo!

[Mystic Mock]

I'd have to wait for a comment from Morrisons before I pass proper judgement on this because I'd like to understand their reasoning. I'm quite conflicted on this I think. On one hand, sure, he should be allowed to wear it, but then if you allow that, you've similarly got to allow other employees to wear badges of support for other organisations and institutions which perhaps Morrisons may certainly not want promoted? What if another employee wanted to turn up wearing an EDL badge?

On a similar note though but slightly off-topic, I've never understood the strict rules air stewards and stewardesses face regarding their dress codes and how if they have any tattoos, they must be covered up. Now I'd never get a tattoo and am quite indifferent towards them, but I am not offended by them nor would I care if any employee, air stewardess or shop worker, had one. The last thing I care about while I'm waiting for a plane to catch is whether one of the airlines employees has a ****ing tattoo, and anyone that does care needs to get a grip.

I get what you're saying Jack, but with Air Stewards and Stewardesses is that they want them to look as good as possible, especially the Air Stewardess as it's still quite sexist when it comes to women working on Planes, but as Tattoo's are seen as unattractive to a lot of people the bosses them cover them up.

And I also think that while it sounds bad on paper, Morrisons can't allow the worker to wear a Poppy because as you rightly pointed out Jack, they would also have to allow people that support the EDL to have any badges that symbolizes them.

[joeysteele]

I don't think he is and idiot, far from it. He is showing his support and respect (unlike the PM).
It is a lot of jobsworths just trying to look important by doing this, let him work in the non food prep area for a specific period of time... fgs, such a lot of bureaucratic mumbo jumbo!

I don't think he's an idiot at all, he may have an attitude but he has to be given the benefot of the doubt that he wanted to show some token of support to the help for heroes and outrage as to this horrific murder.

As you say too, he could have had other duties to do other than food preparation.
I have seen worse than a poppy or a badge on and anyway they wear badges in any case with their names on.

I am very fussy though as to buying food prepeared there and then,espcially at Asda,(although I know and accept this was Morrisons), for instance, ever since I was at the counter for a Pizza with your own toppings on.
Where an assistant had a cold and had a tissue beside her which she constantly used to wipe her nose while still preparing the toppings.
Needless to say, I walked off not buying one.

I think on balance the company is right, however in the instance above I posted as to ASDA and the pizza's, I wonder why all stores don't remove people with colds from all food preparation too.
A badge alongside their own name badge too does seem a bit of a fuss over little, not so the bracelet though.

[Niall]

I don't see why he felt the need to wear the badge really. If I were him, I would just donate to the charity in my own time and be content with the knowledge that I contributed to their cause. I'm sure that would support and help the armed forces much more than wearing a paper flower and then acting like an ass about being told to take it off. Moron.

[joeysteele]

I don't see why he felt the need to wear the badge really. If I were him, I would just donate to the charity in my own time and be content with the knowledge that I contributed to their cause. I'm sure that would support and help the armed forces much more than wearing a paper flower and then acting like and ass about being told to take it off. Moron.

I have come across a lot of people buying and wearing help for heroes things now though Niall since this happened.
I have seen others taking flowers to war memorials too and also making donations to help the heroes.
People all have their own ways of expressing their feelings as to such an outrage as this brutal murder was.
I don't personally see the need to wear a name badge in a food preparation area either but the stores demand that is the case.

[Jords]

Disgusting decision. Why is dress code so serious in such a job, jeez.

[Kizzy]

Of course they do, they have been wearing the bands and all kinds of supportive charity paraphernalia for years, this is really quite insensitive in my view as he has friends serving.
It states in the letter that certain employees are permitted to wear them, so I can't understand why they took it so far,. It's true that most buy them and discard them, it's nice to see he wore his with pride. I hope morrisons are shamed into giving a donation.

[Ammi]

I don't see why he felt the need to wear the badge really. If I were him, I would just donate to the charity in my own time and be content with the knowledge that I contributed to their cause. I'm sure that would support and help the armed forces much more than wearing a paper flower and then acting like and ass about being told to take it off. Moron.

..I agree Niall, and in doing what he has done and in the way he has done it, imo, it doesn't show respect at all..but just tries to detract attention for himself..even if he at first didn't intend that, it's what he's making it to be now...

[arista]

Disgusting decision. Why is dress code so serious in such a job, jeez.


Its Normal
we must have Rules
or you will get confusion

[Shaun]

another example of the hysterical media overreacting to something

they might have been showing respect to Lee Rigby, but they weren't showing respect to their bosses by ignoring them.

but no, because a dead soldier is involved we all have to get involved and wound up and emotional

[arista]

another example of the hysterical media overreacting to something

they might have been showing respect to Lee Rigby, but they weren't showing respect to their bosses by ignoring them.

but no, because a dead soldier is involved we all have to get involved and wound up and emotional


Very True Shaun


Its so simple he broke the rules

[Kizzy]

"As a company we encourage store colleagues to show their support for the Royal British Legion by wearing poppies in October and November.

"We currently ask that colleagues adhere to a company dress code which precludes bracelets and pins. However, we have reviewed these guidelines and colleagues working in non-fresh food preparation areas will now be permitted to wear a registered charity wristband."

So basically it's not against company policy, they just felt it was the wrong time of year, and the guy was in the wrong part of the store to be supportive?

[Ammi]

....hmm, I don’t know if this is a very good analogy but in schools, there are rules about information given to parents..things that are being dealt with and would only inflame a ‘situation’ if a parent was told something by anyone other than the head, for instance...every school worker is aware of these rules and knows that there will be repercussions if they are broken....

..I recall a ‘case/incident’ not long ago..(in the media..).. when a midday worker related something to a parent about their child and was dismissed or suspended because she broke those rules...she could argue perhaps that she did it for the right reasons and ‘with concern for the child..)..but it wasn’t her responsibility to make that decision..she knew she was breaking a Company Policy rule, which will inevitably incur sanctions... it doesn’t matter whether she thinks that rule is stupid or whatever..she agreed to it when accepting the job and she can’t bend it if it doesn’t fit with what she wants to do...if she felt strongly that something was wrong, then there were other channels she could use to state her feelings, there is never only one way....but she opted for the one she knew she shouldn’t be doing....

..but what’s worse for me, is that very little was said about the ‘incident’ that actually caused her actions..and presumably, it resulted from an unhappy child/maybe bullying..?...isn’t that what’s more important and wasn’t that ‘the point’ in the first place...she had full control and responsibility for her actions and the result...the child hadn’t, presumably...and I can’t feel emotional enough about what happened to Lee Rigby...it’s beyond words what those men did to him... what his family must be feeling right now, I can’t even imagine and none of them created their own situation..that’s where my focus is...and in comparison to that, do I care about the job of a Morrison worker and whether he’s right or wrong because of his choice to break a policy rule...?...no, really I don’t because as this thread shows, it then becomes about him and Morrisons and who’s right and who’s wrong and not about Lee or respect at all....so however well-intentioned he may have been, he’s made it all about himself....


..was the policy right, was it wrong..are they being difficult/awkward..is he being difficult/awkward..?..I'm going to bow out of this thread now because none of this has got anything to do with that poor soldier or his family, imo....

[Kizzy]

He didn't intentionally make this about him..
All he wanted to do was honour the guy and his serving friends, the analogy is not relevant.
He was well intentioned yes, and morrisons are being awkward. In all seriousness it has everything to do with Lee Rigby and every other lad who it seems to me is buried and forgotten about rather too quickly.

[Tom4784]

He did make it about him though, When you get paid to do something you got to abide by the rules, it wasn't like he turned up and they sent him home, he was told not to wear the items but he chose to anyway. He probably saw a bigger pay cheque in kicking up a fuss and going to the tabloids over it.

I kind of hate people that wear Charity merchandise anyway, they are always full of themselves. 'Oh look at me showing support! Aren't I kind and good? Aren't you lucky to be in the presence of a charitable god such as I?' Ugh, I make a private donation and keep it that way. The best deeds are the ones left unspoken.

[Kizzy]

It was a power trip by the many 'floor managers' in the store. They are shifting goalposts with the company policy on the issue, and there was no need for the overreaction to suspend him over this matter.
It was insensitive and heavyhanded, I very much doubt that he was waving the badge under the noses of shoppers and other staff. And those who do donate and wear the bands are not in my opinion any more or less gracious than those who donate privately.

[Niall]

..I agree Niall, and in doing what he has done and in the way he has done it, imo, it doesn't show respect at all..but just tries to detract attention for himself..even if he at first didn't intend that, it's what he's making it to be now...

Exactly, he was just attention seeking. To me, it just suggests that he was doing it to show off to everyone else. If he really cared, a small donation in private would have satisfied him more than enough. Getting all sanctimonious about it will do nothing to help any soldiers.

[Tom4784]

It was a power trip by the many 'floor managers' in the store. They are shifting goalposts with the company policy on the issue, and there was no need for the overreaction to suspend him over this matter.
It was insensitive and heavyhanded, I very much doubt that he was waving the badge under the noses of shoppers and other staff. And those who do donate and wear the bands are not in my opinion any more or less gracious than those who donate privately.

It was a health and safety issue, he refused them so he got the boot. He's there to work not to show off how much of a good charitable person he is and that everyone should stand up and take notice. If he wants to wear that stuff he can wear it while he's on the way to the Job Centre.

Rules are rules.

[Kizzy]

He is a tiil op also, they are permitted to wear them, the manager too the rules a little to literally.
There is little empathy for the depth of feeling that this horror invoked in some, especially those with serving friends or family. I am glad he has the support of so many. Sometimes it is good to vocalise your feelings on an issue, even if it means challenging authority a little.

[Ammi]

....I will make one last post in here because my post/analogy is extremely valid...there is very little mention of Lee Rigby, what happened to him or his families suffering and pain... the focus is Morrisons, Adam Austin and whether the policy is right or wrong..when he chose to make his statement in the way that he did, what he was really doing is sticking two fingers up to his employers and saying this is how I want to do it so therefore I will, regardless of your policies or health and safety..instead of... I would like to show my respect while at work, what would be an acceptable way to do that, which doesn’t break company policy, perhaps as a store/company, we could all do something together..?....that for me would be the more respectful way and keeping the focus, very rightly were it should be at the moment..on the brutal slaying of Lee and how his family are feeling right now....he chose to defy and he then chose to post Morrison’s letter on the internet, inviting publicity... Lee Rigby had no choices at all...none of this should be about Adam Austin, but intentionally or not he has made it about himself....and regardless of the outcome of this, I have no respect for what he did at all...I have respect for his reasons if they are genuine and I have no reason to believe they are not...but how he chose to demonstrate it was wrong, there is a right and a wrong way in everything....and this is what often happens when you choose not to follow procedures..which are there for a reason and not just words on a page....

[Niamh.]

....I will make one last post in here because my post/analogy is extremely valid...there is very little mention of Lee Rigby, what happened to him or his families suffering and pain... the focus is Morrisons, Adam Austin and whether the policy is right or wrong..when he chose to make his statement in the way that he did, what he was really doing is sticking two fingers up to his employers and saying this is how I want to do it so therefore I will, regardless of your policies or health and safety..instead of... I would like to show my respect while at work, what would be an acceptable way to do that, which doesn’t break company policy, perhaps as a store/company, we could all do something together..?....that for me would be the more respectful way and keeping the focus, very rightly were it should be at the moment..on the brutal slaying of Lee and how his family are feeling right now....he chose to defy and he then chose to post Morrison’s letter on the internet, inviting publicity... Lee Rigby had no choices at all...none of this should be about Adam Austin, but intentionally or not he has made it about himself....and regardless of the outcome of this, I have no respect for what he did at all...I have respect for his reasons if they are genuine and I have no reason to believe they are not...but how he chose to demonstrate it was wrong, there is a right and a wrong way in everything....and this is what often happens when you choose not to follow procedures..which are there for a reason and not just words on a page....

Exactly. I agree completely, very well put Ammi

[Kizzy]

....I will make one last post in here because my post/analogy is extremely valid...there is very little mention of Lee Rigby, what happened to him or his families suffering and pain... the focus is Morrisons, Adam Austin and whether the policy is right or wrong..when he chose to make his statement in the way that he did, what he was really doing is sticking two fingers up to his employers and saying this is how I want to do it so therefore I will, regardless of your policies or health and safety..instead of... I would like to show my respect while at work, what would be an acceptable way to do that, which doesn’t break company policy, perhaps as a store/company, we could all do something together..?....that for me would be the more respectful way and keeping the focus, very rightly were it should be at the moment..on the brutal slaying of Lee and how his family are feeling right now....he chose to defy and he then chose to post Morrison’s letter on the internet, inviting publicity... Lee Rigby had no choices at all...none of this should be about Adam Austin, but intentionally or not he has made it about himself....and regardless of the outcome of this, I have no respect for what he did at all...I have respect for his reasons if they are genuine and I have no reason to believe they are not...but how he chose to demonstrate it was wrong, there is a right and a wrong way in everything....and this is what often happens when you choose not to follow procedures..which are there for a reason and not just words on a page....

Well that's what it boils down to, rubbishing him and his intentions won't change the situation. We have no reason to think he did this with selfish intentions, it was simply an incident that escalated too far.
With the amount of managers involved you would have thought a more amicable solution could have been reached.

[bbfan1991]

Morrisons worker reinstated after Help for Heroes row

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-22718935

Good.

[Marcus.]

thank god for that he should be saked

[joeysteele]

I am really pleased to see a big company like Morrisons climb down from this and admit to an overreaction in reality.

I always believe in most things there can be a compromise and to see Morrisons say that they got the balance wrong and are re-instating the member of staff with no further issue to settle is good to see.

People can react oddly and different from the norm when something as horrific and tragic occurs like this atrocious murder of Lee Rigby.
I feel really angry too since I have Cousins in the forces and if I wanted to wear something but was told not to for a petty rule, when I see so much else that is very wrong with staff in supermarkets, I would likely get more angry.

I said in my first post,I could sort of see both sides but that some tolerance could have been the order of the day after this tragic loss of a Soldiers life.
Better late than never though, it seems Morrisons have realised that now and absolutely full credit to them for doing so and saying so.
So it seems a sensible and good compromise was available all the time as to this.

Rules are rules of course,sometimes though they can be relaxed even for a very short time or in a 'unique' particular instance.

[Kizzy]

Totally joey, that is the rational, pragmatic, common sense approach I love you for.

[Kizzy]

Morrisons have posted this response on FB.

Many of you have been writing to our Chief Executive Dalton Philips to express your concern about our colleagues wearing poppies and Help for Heroes wristbands in store. Here’s Dalton’s response outlining how we have listened and made changes to our policy:

Thanks for emailing me about the wearing of poppies in Morrisons. And in particular about the one-off incident of Adam Austin being suspended from a store in Portsmouth. I’m really sorry you feel this way and I share your concern.

Quite simply we got the balance wrong. Our existing rules on wearing badges are there for a good reason. We make lots of fresh food in store and no customer would want a badge dropping in to their food by mistake. It is a food safety issue. And all supermarkets and restaurants apply the same common sense rules. But we were applying the rules to all colleagues. And that’s not right. So we have changed them. Colleagues not preparing fresh food will now be able to wear a pin badge or bracelet to show their support for registered charities like Help for Heroes. So Adam can return to work and wear his poppy with pride.

It’s really important to me that we show our support for our armed forces. They do really hard work on our behalf. They put their lives on the line every day. Drummer Lee Rigby’s murder was abhorrent. I share your outrage at the death of this fine soldier.

So we do encourage our colleagues to wear poppies in October and November to remember all members of the armed forces that have died in the service of our country. Last year we helped raise over £2 million to support the Royal British Legion. And that’s why we regularly welcome Help for Heroes fundraisers into our shops.

Trust me, at Morrisons we’ll always make sure our armed forces are supported. Thanks again for contacting me

[joeysteele]

Again,I repeat full credit to Morrisons for that, I am impressed.

Just a bit of sensitivity and understanding from their manager/s and supervisor/s could have avoided all this fuss over something this company now admits they got the 'balance wrong in'. Amazing climbdown.

Really nice for a change,in the world of big business to see a really good outcome to an issue and good on Morrisons for making that happen too.
Admitting they are wrong doesn't come easy to big business usually,let's hope more companies take note of this.

[Kizzy]

I do too, however this october/november window for the poppy wearing is in my view too restrictive. This is due to VE day and to commemorate the soldiers in the world wars, this situation is different... terrorism has made it different.