Adecco 'Does a Thomas Cook'

11.27.53am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 28th Jun 2007

Adecco, A recruitment agency at the heart of Mrs Randerson's constituency has ordered its employees at Tesco's financial services centre in Cardiff to only speak English in the workplace.

Cardiff Central Assembly Member Jenny Randerson said: "It is essential that a strong line is taken against companies such as Adecco, otherwise there is a danger that this insidious practice will spread.

"Only this week the Assembly has been attempting to strengthen the position of the Welsh language in Wales but a widespread adoption of this practice could seriously undermine the language.

"Welsh is not just taught in schools, it is an integral part of Wales' culture and everyday life.

"Welsh Liberal Democrat policy is not to penalise or exclude those who cannot or do not use the Welsh language, but instead to endorse a right to services in Welsh for those who want it.

"We would introduce a Measure to give the Welsh and English languages official status, to afford language speakers equal rights in the provision of services.

Lib Dem Welsh Language Champion Eleanor Burnham AM said "It is utterly disgraceful that a company be allowed to dictate to its staff which language they use whilst working, particularly in the capital of the main Welsh speaking country."

Ends/diwedd

Contact/Cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood 02920 898324