UK Co-op Will-Writing Service Refuses Client Due to Birthplace
A British shopper has been left feeling frustrated after the Co-op, a major UK supermarket chain, refused to provide its will-writing service to her due to her Russian birthplace. Despite having dual nationality and no known ties to Russia or assets, the client was told that she could not be advised on matters related to her country of origin.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had initially requested an update to a will she had previously drawn up with her partner and daughter as beneficiaries. However, after two months, she received a call informing her that the request had been cancelled due to her Russian birth. The client was then asked for proof of citizenship, which she eventually provided.
However, the Co-op refused to serve her again without this document, citing "specialist legal advice" from lawyers who told them not to provide services to anyone born in Russia. When the woman questioned this decision, she was told that it was a risk the company could not afford to take, given the serious consequences of breaching Russia sanctions regulations.
This case raises questions about whether it is lawful for companies to refuse service based solely on someone's birthplace. While the UK government guidance suggests that individuals are not prohibited from financial and legal services if they are not designated under a sanctions regime or connected to someone who is, some companies appear to be taking a more cautious approach.
In this instance, the Co-op's decision has left the woman feeling unfairly targeted and discriminated against due to her Russian heritage. It remains to be seen whether this practice will become widespread, but it highlights the need for greater clarity on how sanctions regulations apply in the real world.
The company involved has stated that it must take steps to ensure compliance with these rules, but at what cost to individual customers? The woman's case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding sanctions and their impact on daily life.
A British shopper has been left feeling frustrated after the Co-op, a major UK supermarket chain, refused to provide its will-writing service to her due to her Russian birthplace. Despite having dual nationality and no known ties to Russia or assets, the client was told that she could not be advised on matters related to her country of origin.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had initially requested an update to a will she had previously drawn up with her partner and daughter as beneficiaries. However, after two months, she received a call informing her that the request had been cancelled due to her Russian birth. The client was then asked for proof of citizenship, which she eventually provided.
However, the Co-op refused to serve her again without this document, citing "specialist legal advice" from lawyers who told them not to provide services to anyone born in Russia. When the woman questioned this decision, she was told that it was a risk the company could not afford to take, given the serious consequences of breaching Russia sanctions regulations.
This case raises questions about whether it is lawful for companies to refuse service based solely on someone's birthplace. While the UK government guidance suggests that individuals are not prohibited from financial and legal services if they are not designated under a sanctions regime or connected to someone who is, some companies appear to be taking a more cautious approach.
In this instance, the Co-op's decision has left the woman feeling unfairly targeted and discriminated against due to her Russian heritage. It remains to be seen whether this practice will become widespread, but it highlights the need for greater clarity on how sanctions regulations apply in the real world.
The company involved has stated that it must take steps to ensure compliance with these rules, but at what cost to individual customers? The woman's case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding sanctions and their impact on daily life.
I'm telling you, this is just another example of the elites controlling everything... Like, why would anyone be refused service just because they were born in Russia? 
Is it just a coincidence that Russia has been at odds with the West for years? 
And what's with this "specialist legal advice" from lawyers? Sounds like some shady deal to me. 
This woman is not asking for much, just an update on her will... But no, she gets shut down by the Co-op because of where she was born. It's like they're trying to create a class divide or something. 
And what's the real cost here? Is it really just about taking steps to ensure compliance... Or is it about sending a message to people like this woman who don't quite fit in? 
. Companies shouldnt be discriminating against ppl just cuz they were born somewhere else. It's like, being Russian isnt a crime lol. What's next? Are ppl gonna get refused a loan or job offer because their grandma was from Russia too? 
It makes total sense that the Co-op is worried about sanctions, but come on, thats not our problem. We pay our taxes and follow the rules, so why shouldnt we get services that everyone else gets? 
. Like, what even is the point of having dual nationality if it's not gonna be recognized by companies? It's not like she's got any ties to Russia or assets... just a birth certificate! 
The Co-op needs to get its act together and start thinking about the impact their decisions have on people's lives. It's not just about following rules, it's about being fair and reasonable too! 
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. And what's with this "specialist legal advice" nonsense? Sounds like a load of bollocks 
. Companies need to stop worrying about some theoretical risk and start thinking about the real people who get hurt by their decisions 
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this is getting wilder by the day... think they should just have a form to fill out saying no russian sibz etc 
can't even trust online services anymore 
it's one thing to follow sanctions guidelines, another to discriminate against someone based on where they were born 
can't believe the Co-op would do that to a customer who's been loyal 
maybe they should've just said no to the service instead of creating this whole ordeal 
It's not like she has any ties to Russia 
.
To the woman who was unfairly targeted, I say sorry 
and thank you for speaking out 
. Your case is a reminder that we need to stand up for ourselves and demand fairness in our daily lives 
.
It just feels like a bunch of unnecessary red tape that's putting people in a tough spot 
. Maybe it's time for some clearer guidelines on how sanctions regulations apply in real life 
. Just a thought... 
anyway back to this news... it's so unfair that the Co-op is being super cautious here. I mean I get it with sanctions and all but come on