Poundworld accused of racism after rejecting Scottish notes

The Poundworld store in Rochdale has been accused of racism after Mohammad Yousaf had his money rejected, but accepted similar notes from a white customer.

Mr Yousaf attempted to pay for £8 pounds’ worth of goods with a Scottish £20 note, which was refused, but says he saw a white customer pay by a Scottish note at the next till.

He said: “The store won’t accept Scottish bank notes from Asian customers, but will accept from white people. How racist is this?”

Mr Yousaf continued: “The manager refused to accept the note whilst another customer at the next till paid by a Scottish note. She [the manager] walked away after I confronted her about what I saw. I used the notes later the same day at Morrisons to buy petrol and at other stores without any questions.”

Mr Yousaf logged a formal complaint with the retailer, but says they ‘failed to investigate’ despite saying they would ‘let him know within ten days’.

He added: “I believe if they want to do business in a multicultural Rochdale, then act in a manner which would be appreciated by all.”

Poundworld did not respond to an invitation to comment.