CARJ shocked by Pontins Irish names blacklist

Source: CARJ

The Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) has issued this statement following the revelation that holiday firm Pontins kept a blacklist of Irish names which staff were told not to allow on their sites.

We are all shocked to hear of the discriminatory practices of Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd (owners of Pontins) against Gypsies and Travellers. They have signed an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after their behaviour came to light, through a whistle-blower who reported them to the EHRC in February 2020. All credit to the 'whistleblower' and to the EHRC.

However, we are not surprised to hear of blatant discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers. These communities have long been known to be one of the most disadvantaged groups in the UK - often also victims of prejudice, discrimination and hate crime. Moreover, despite evidence from Parliamentary Committees, the EHRC, the Race Disparity Audit and many independent groups, Government response has been mixed.

In their response to the Report from the Women and Equalities Committee, the Government recognised 'that an ambitious programme of work needs to be undertaken across Government.' In June 2019 they launched a 'National Strategy to tackle entrenched inequality and improve the lives of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.' It is unclear what progress has been made on the National Strategy.

However, despite the pandemic, one of the more punitive government initiatives is moving forward. We now have a Police Powers and Protections Bill currently before the Joint Committee on Human Rights. The Bill would effectively criminalise unauthorised encampments despite the well known absence of sites.

Reflecting on these recent events, Fr Dan Mason, National Catholic Chaplain to Gypsies, Roma and Travellers commented: "Sadly, the revelations that have emerged from the former employee at Pontins won't come as a surprise to members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who routinely face widespread discrimination and exclusion based on their ethnicity.

It is encouraging to see the Equalities and Human Rights Commission acting so swiftly and I commend Pontins for taking decisive action to stamp out this discriminatory practice. Catholics in the UK have historically experienced prejudice because of their faith and so we have a particular understanding of what it is like to be "othered". As a Church we continue to do all that we can to offer support and encouragement to those living on the margins."

LINK

CARJ - www.carj.org.uk/