All staff in Selfridges Birmingham, as well as the managers of concessions, have been reminded that they are expected to wear only their Selfridges name badge, and no other badges.

A Jewish customer was unhappy to see a staff member of a branch of Medicine Bar and Bakery inside Selfridges Birmingham wearing a Palestine flag badge pinned to his beanie hat.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) wrote to Selfridges to explain that the wearing of such partisan badges by staff of the store or its concessions, is upsetting and worrying for many Jewish or Israeli customers, and creates an intimidating and hostile atmosphere for them.  UKLFI pointed out that Selfridges and Medicine could be in breach of Section 29 (3) of the Equality Act 2000, by harassing Jews and Israelis and Zionists, who had protected characteristics under the Act.

Medicine Bar and Bakery is a Birmingham-based establishment with multiple locations that operates as an artisan bakery, cafe, and gallery. It’s known for its sourdough bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. The original Medicine Bar, was a hub for Birmingham’s music scene before evolving into a bakery.

Selfridges replied to UKLFI saying: “We tell our team members that they are expected to wear only their Selfridges name badge and no other badges. We also tell our team members that clothing with slogans or symbols that could cause offence are prohibited.  Some individuals working in our stores are employees of concession businesses and we ask our concessions’ management teams to ensure that a consistent message is shared with their employees as well.”

Caroline Turner of UKLFI commented, “We are pleased that Selfridges is reminding staff and managers of its concessions not to wear these divisive symbols and we hope that this will prevent any future similar incidents.”