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AIBU?

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To think that Debenham's policy has the potential to discriminate against the disabled?

59 replies

Arachnophobic · 31/10/2011 21:58

Went to order online, the site didn't like my discount code so had to ring Angry.

I have two gift cards, with 25 quid on between them. Transaction totals in excess of 40 quid. First she says you can't use both, you can only use one. System doesn't allow otherwise. She says please pay the remainder with a debit card, as your one gift card doesn't cover it. So I fish my card out. Then she says actually I have just realised you can't do that either, and if you can't pay the total amount using one gift card you have to go to the store.

Ask for a manager, she says no one around, complain by email. I say "no thank you, I'll wait". Within two minutes uncaring arrogant manager comes on and basically refutes my argument (below) saying that gift cards are a convenience thing, in other words Debenhams are doing us a favour.

My point is (and this doesn't apply to me btw) that those who are disabled or otherwise housebound and unable to get to the store are effectively penalised as a result of this policy, and it is entirely out of keeping with recent Equality legislation.

Picture the scenario FFS - disabled person, no one to rely upon, receives gift cards from distant relatives by post. Wants to place an order and effectively can't order what they want because "the system doesn't allow it". No way of getting to the store.

Do other large retail organisations operate like this? I thought this was the 21st century Confused

OP posts:
Sevenfoldedbloodybodies · 31/10/2011 22:59

sorry op, but most people would not get a disabled person a gift card(I would hope) my dd is 16 and has never been given one.
so although the shops policy might be flawed. using disabled people and discrimination is wrong imo.

eaglewings · 31/10/2011 23:09
Confused
Andrewofgg · 01/11/2011 07:40

It's an extremely silly policy - but it's only discriminatory against the disabled if you are prepared to say that every big retailer which does not allow all shopping to be done online and delivered - regardless of value. Come on now.

SoupDragon · 01/11/2011 07:45

Good lord, of course I was joking abut the P&C spaces!

Haka · 01/11/2011 08:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Andrewofgg · 01/11/2011 08:52

SoupDragon never joke about P and C spaces unless you have a very thick heatproof jacket!

MsHighwater · 02/11/2011 21:19

Haka, having access to the internet is, at least in theory, a matter of choice.

ouryve · 02/11/2011 22:06

I wouldn't say it was direct discrimination against the disabled.

I would say that Debenhams website is bloaty and crap, so I'm not surprised their entire computer system is crap.

And when I buy gift cards for people, I try to get ones I know they could easily use.

Arachnophobic · 02/11/2011 22:11

I agree it's not direct, it's indirect.

The same Policy applies to all persons regardless of circumstances but has the potential to adversely affect a minority group.

OP posts:
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