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A high street shop have refused to allow staff members to wear badges showing that they speak Welsh because they "aren't necessary".

The Original Factory Shop in Pwllheli has again come under fire in a Welsh language row after a customer claimed in August that she was asked to leave the store for addressing a member of staff in Welsh.

The company launched an investigation into the claims but it was later ruled that no further action would be taken against the member of staff.

Pwllheli town councillor Elfed Gruffydd said he visited the shop last week and asked if Welsh-speaking staff would like badges to show that they speak the language.

The small orange badges are part of the Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh) brand produced by the Welsh Language Commissioner, which allows colleagues and customers to identify Welsh speakers so that they are able to have conversations in the language.

Cllr Gruffydd said the store manager accepted his offer for staff to wear the badges but, when he returned with them to the shop, he says he was told that the head office in Burnley in Lancashire had refused to allow staff to wear them.

(Image: Welsh Language Commissioner)

The ex-headmaster said: "I went to the shop to ask what the shop was like after the previous event.

"I had a chat with the manager and told her about the small badges and asked if they would be pleased to receive them, as two thirds of the shop's staff speak Welsh.

"The answer I got was that the company refused to allow staff to wear the badges.

"I am very disappointed with their attitude."

The company claims there is no need for staff to wear the badges because all colleagues have been provided with "simple Welsh statements" to help customers.

A spokesperson for The Original Factory Shop said: "We are committed to delivering excellent service to all customers.

"We have ensured that any colleagues who are not fluent Welsh speakers, serving in Welsh speaking areas, have been provided with simple Welsh statements to help provide assistance.

(Image: Google)

"Therefore, badges aren’t necessary to identify Welsh speaking colleagues, as all our colleagues are able to offer simple dialogue in Welsh.”

A spokesperson for the Welsh Language Commissioner said: "Iaith Gwaith is a well established and highly recognised brand in Wales, and enables Welsh speakers to use their preferred language when speaking with staff members.

"It’s an easy way of promoting Welsh services by identifying Welsh speaking staff members, and is used across the whole of Wales across all sectors.

"The majority of businesses see the Welsh language as a benefit that enriches a brand.

"In a study conducted last year, 69% of businesses believed that using the Welsh language enhances the business brand.

"We have contacted The Original Factory Shop HQ to outline the benefits and advantages of using Welsh, as well as to advise and assist them to develop their Welsh language services."