Britain’s equality regulator has launched a formal investigation into Pontins holiday parks due to continued concerns about discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers.
Pontins owner, Britannia Jinky Jersey Limited - which has a resort in Southport - last year entered into a year-long legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, following allegations that the company operated a discriminatory booking policy.
Alleged practices included publishing an ‘undesirable’ guest list containing common Irish surnames and refusing or cancelling bookings by people suspected of being Gypsies or Travellers. Declining to provide services to guests because they are of a certain race or ethnic group is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, which recognises Gypsies and Travellers as a distinct racial group.
