NatWest has apologised after a customer who called the bank to apply for a loan was told by a bank worker “all vegans should be punched in the face”.
The Bristol woman, who does not wish to be named, was seeking a loan to pay for a £400 nutrition diploma. She said her application was rejected, but the bank offered compensation of just under £200 after listening to a recording of the call.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, the woman said the worker’s outburst came after she told him she was vegan.
After he made the comment, he explained it was because vegan activists had chalked pictures of animals and messages such as “friends not food” on pavements near his home, she said. He felt, she added, that “vegans were forcing their beliefs on him”.
“He wasn’t happy to be speaking to me at all. His tone was really unpleasant. Being vegan is a lifestyle choice: I shouldn’t be penalised for it, especially by a big organisation. It’s extremely unfair,” she said. The exchange, on 23 January, made her feel “really uncomfortable”, she said.
NatWest said in a statement: “We are extremely sorry for the way our customer was treated by a member of our staff and apologise for any distress and upset his behaviour caused. These comments were wholly inappropriate and we have commenced disciplinary proceedings.
“We have also provided feedback to the relevant sections of the bank to ensure that lessons are learnt so that a situation like this never happens again.”
