Center Parcs settle discrimination claim after amputee denied use of activity slide

CenterParcs UK has settled a discrimination claim following a case where a visitor to their Sherwood Forest Village was denied use of an activity slide due to having a prosthetic leg.

The claim was submitted by Chattertons Solicitors on behalf of Andrew Shaw who was on holiday with his family in November 2021. Chattertons is a leading ‘Top 200’ law firm with 8 offices in the East Midlands.

During the holiday, Mr Shaw had approached the entrance to one of the activity slides and was stopped by a member of staff who stated that he was not allowed on the slides due to his prosthetic leg and asked him to remove the prosthetic before going on the slide. Mr Shaw stated that he was unable to do this as he was unsafe without it. The staff member then refused to allow him on the slide. Following further discussion, it was later confirmed that it was Center Parcs company policy and that he wouldn't be allowed to use the slides unless he removed it.             

Commenting, Carrie Clewes, Head of  Chattertons' Equality team said, “Acting on behalf of Mr Shaw we wrote to Center Parcs to point out that in providing an activity centre and accommodation service, Center Parcs are providing a service within the meaning of Section 29 of the Equality Act 2010 and are therefore, obliged to comply with the provisions of Section 29. This includes the obligation to make reasonable adjustments. By refusing to allow Mr Shaw to partake in the activities, it was alleged that they had discriminated against him and treated him unfavourably because of something arising directly in relation to his disability – his prosthetic.”

In agreeing the settlement, Center Parcs responded by confirming that it was not their intention to discriminate against Mr Shaw and apologised for any inconvenience, embarrassment and upset caused. They confirmed that they have now amended their internal policy and safety information, to remove any restrictions in relation to guests wearing a prosthetic and ensured that all staff are appropriately trained on the new policy. They further submitted a written apology to Mr Shaw and made a compensatory payment to reflect his injury to feelings, they further covered his legal fees. 

Center Parcs is a short-break holiday company that operates six holiday villages in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, with each covering about 400 acres (1.6 km²) of woodland. The company's first village opened at Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, in 1987 and its sixth, at Longford Forest, Ireland, opened in 2019.

Established in 1856, Chattertons Solicitors and Wealth Management is considered to be one of oldest law firms in the UK. In recent years they have grown significantly to become a regional heavyweight offering a full range of legal and financial services to both personal and business clients. Chattertons is now a leading ‘Top 200’ law firm with 8 offices in the East Midlands.

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