An investigation by the equalities watchdog is underway into allegations holiday company Pontins discriminated against Gypsies and travellers.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is to investigate whether or not the firm used an ‘undesirable guests list’.
The list, published on the staff intranet, is alleged to have included Irish surnames – of which all should be blocked from booking a holiday.
A whistle-blower also claimed staff monitored calls and also refused or cancelled bookings made by people with an Irish accent.
Pontins’ commercial vehicle policy was also accused of excluding Gypsies and travellers from its holiday parks.
The EHRC will investigate whether the bookings policy broke any laws.
Unlawful
The watchdog said it had opened the formal investigation, as it was “not satisfied that Pontins was taking the required steps to prevent unlawful discrimination from occurring”.
The probe will involve looking at whether or not the business broke laws relating to the Equality Act, by discriminating against Gypsy and traveller guests through its booking policies and record-keeping.
EHRC CEO Marcial Boo said: “Any business that refuses to provide services to guests due to their race or ethnic group is likely to be breaking equality law.
“We signed a legally binding agreement with Pontins last year, which we expected to address our concerns about discriminatory behaviour.
“The company’s failure to comply has left us with no choice but to use stronger enforcement powers to investigate further.”
The investigation could take months.
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