The Body Shop has confirmed that it does not permit employees to wear badges or emblems with political or campaigning connotations while at work. This follows a complaint by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) about an incident at one of the Body Shop stores.

UKLFI had written to Body Shop after a Jewish customer reported that a sales assistant at the company’s Brent Cross outlet was wearing several badges displaying the Palestinian flag while serving customers.

UKLFI’s letter pointed out that the display of such political symbols could make Jewish and Israeli customers feel “uncomfortable and unwelcome,” and that staff wearing them in the workplace could amount to harassment under Section 29(3) of the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits conduct creating a hostile or intimidating environment based on religion, race, or belief.

The customer commented:  “I felt disappointed. I’ve always appreciated how diverse and inclusive our community is, and how we’ve managed to live and work together respectfully. Recently, seeing symbols like Palestinian badges — especially given the global environment — is uncomfortable. It’s not about denying anyone’s right to express their views, but rather a concern that such symbols might unintentionally introduce a sense of division in a place that has otherwise felt unified and respectful. I wasn’t expecting to encounter this in a Body Shop store, which has always represented inclusivity and neutrality to me.”

The Body Shop’s CEO Mike Jatania responded to UKLFI stating:

“We take our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 seriously and aim to ensure that all employees and customers are treated fairly and with respect.

We are aware of the matter, and it has been addressed in line with our internal standards. Our position as a business is to remain neutral on political matters. While we recognise that our employees may hold their personal views, we do not permit the wearing of badges or emblems with political or campaigning connotations during working hours. This approach is set out in our employee policy booklet under our general dress and presentation standards.”

“We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for both our employees and customers, and we want everyone who visits our business to feel welcome and comfortable.”

Commenting on the exchange, Caroline Turner, Director of UKLFI, said:

“We welcome The Body Shop’s confirmation that it has addressed this issue and that its policy maintains a neutral stance on political matters. Retailers should ensure that all customers feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. Allowing staff to display political symbols while at work risks alienating some customers and undermining the inclusive values that companies like The Body Shop seek to uphold.”

UKLFI commended The Body Shop for reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and inclusivity and for taking steps to ensure that all customers feel comfortable in its stores.