Partially blind pensioner claims discrimination as bookies 'couldn't understand his bet slip'

Michael Jones is registered partially blind and said staff were rude to him



A man from Coventry who is registered partially blind, claims he was badly treated and discriminated at a city bookies after he was told his writing was hard to read.

Michael Jones visited the Ironmonger Row branch of Ladbrokes on May 23, but alleged staff were rude to him and wouldn't accept his bet.

He told CoventryLive he hadn't had problems elsewhere and felt upset and discriminated against.

Michael, 65, said: "I filled a betting slip in and the staff were rude to me and said they couldn't accept my slip because my hand writing was hard to read.

"I am registered partially blind and have learning difficulties.

"I feel like this is discriminating against me.

"One of the staff was quite rude to me, the area manager said they spoke to staff about it.

"I've never had a problem elsewhere, including other betting shops.

"It really upset me and I stopped going in there for a while.

"I don't know why they took an attitude with me.

"I am always generally looked after wherever I go."

Commenting on the situation Woodlands ward Councillor Peter Male said: “We were very concerned when Mr Jones contacted us in a distressed state.

"We’ve asked Ladbrokes to launch a full investigation, so we can establish the facts as quickly as possible and determine what actions need to be taken next.

"However, perhaps the most important lesson is that we all need to help and support the most vulnerable people in our society.

"That’s especially true of large organisations like Ladbrokes who make a lot of cash from their customers.”

Cllr Gary Ridley, who also represents Woodlands ward, is Leader of the Conservatives at Coventry City Council and said: “I’ve spoken to Mr Jones and assured him that we will raise the matter with Ladbrokes and try and find a resolution.

"On the face of it this might not seem a big issue but isn’t there a bigger question about how we can help and support the most vulnerable members of our society?”