If a person has really bad body odour...?

[lofthatch]

If a shop assistant has really bad body odour, would you send feedback to the shop?

If a colleague in the same office or building as you had the same issue, would you say something (or maybe have a word with HR)?

For context, at my local supermarket there's an assistant (probably early 20s) who has this issue. I went in yesterday and it was really bad, a sort of mix of BO and urine. I wanted to be respectful of him but I really wanted to get out the shop as soon as I could.

Rightly or wrongly, felt a bit sorry for him. It could be that he grew up in a home where no one taught him hygiene basics or he might be struggling for cash or a multitude of different reasons. Or maybe he's just lazy and gone nose blind, who knows! I wouldn't want him to get in trouble but does his employer have a duty of care to have a quiet word?

@ForKeenLimeOtter Not being able to afford hot water/a working shower is though. Poverty and hygiene are very closely linked and just thinking you need a bar of soap isn't true. You need hot running water, a working shower (that you're allowed to use - may be homeless/sofa surfing); a washing machine for towels otherwise you're just wiping the smell back on! Etc.

When I was young we didn't have a bath or a shower in the home. We didn't always have hot water either because I can remember my mum boiling a kettle to wash us in the sink. She used the public bath house. We didn't have a washing machine either and she did our washing in the sink. I didn't live in a house with a shower until I was 25. None of the things you've stated are an excuse for smelling.

Yes cultural issues are very common. I have spent some time in the Middle East and antiperspirant’s are not that common. I sat next to a women 30 ish on a long plane journey back from the ME and she reeked of BO. I think it was in her clothes but it was very unpleasant to have to put up with the awful smell.

I asked to move but the flight was full.

Also older people such as my late Father were used to the bath once a week.

He didn’t use deodorant and when I had grown up and moved out I did speak to him about this. I was due to drop him off at an interview once and he didn’t smell great. He eventually found an old speed stick and I asked him to use a wet flannel before we left. He really didn’t realise. In the end he was better - not 100% but better.

You said it was in your local "supermarket". How big is it? Presumably we're not talking corner shop sized room here. Can you not just go and shop in a different part of the supermarket until he moves? Or is the smell so bad that permeates from one end of Asda or Tesco to the other? 😮

I just wouldn't go back into that store. I can't bare really strong smells, wether they be B.O or women wearing quarter a bottle of perfume at a time or burnt toast, i end up with a migraine and throwing up.

You're so judgemental you would actually take time from your day to write a complaint? I'm appalled tbh.

You haven't read the whole thread, have you? 😘

Gosh, what a lot of really mean responses. And no, I'm not a nasty, judgemental person, nor a bully. As I said further up thread, I kinda felt concerned for him. The smell was so overpowering that I'd think there must be some pretty awful circumstances at home. Sometimes someone having a gentle word can actually mean help is offered..

Anyhoo, before y'all pile on me, I'm bowing out. Toodle pip!

If you noticed so have his employers and co workers.

What exactly do you expect your feedback to provide?

Thats outrageous

I'm not sure what you can do or should do. It could be hygiene, unclean clothes, etc. If it's body related it could be simply diet. Sometimes body odors escape through our pores.

In all honesty I'm absolutely sure his colleagues will be aware of it . Leave it be it's not your place .

Fucking hell

Do you really think you are the only person who has noticed though?

Don't know what the curry BO on Tube comment is all about, apart from racism.

I have smelled some pits on the tube but usually overweight white males with their arms us and not even slightly curry scented. If its a dig at Asians then I'd say that's very different to my experience. I travelled around India for about a year in my youth and even the very poor were scrupulous about hygiene. I often wondered how the mothers managed to turn every family member out looking squeaky clean and ironed and neat when many lived in shanty towns with no running water or washing machines. Had less sweaty pit experiences on buses and trains there than in London, I have to say.

Perhaps I have taken the bait this posted intended with their comment but couldn't scroll past...

Both my sister and I have hyperhydrosis and its a PITA.

I always carry a flannel, deo and a clean t shirt. I can smell within an hour of showering, sometimes less. Often have to wash T's on high temp etc. I don't think many would choose to be smelly if they had a choice,

@Alltheyearround Have you tried botox? My colleague had this and it was a game changer for her hyperhidrosis.

Lack of cash can mean not having a safe and appropriate place to wash so yes it can be a reason to smell.

Op I would mind your own business. You've no idea if this was a one off. If he has a medical issue or sensory issues. Also if you've noticed it the staff will have noticed it,management will already be aware. So leave it to them to deal with.