Sexism, Misogyny & Homophobia at Halfords - Chester

Being large stores with rolling shift patterns, Halfords staff use two methods of 'in-store' communication.

• Radio headsets
• A Store WhatsApp Group

In addition to the vile racism from some at the Chester (Caldy Valley) store, the following are examples of some of the vile communications from the store management and staff during my brief time there.

AARON GORE (Assistant Store Manager)

On 6 July 2023, Aaron Gore posted a photograph of a pink and brown key. The post is a sexual reference (which does not require any further explanation) and the caption read:

• “Just a little life hack to know which key goes in the front door and which goes in the back door”.

JOE TUNNEY (Technician)

On 22 June 2023, Joe Tunney posted a photograph of a magnet (used to disable security tags) in the store toilet. In the accompanying message to Wayne Murphy he posted:

• “Is this what ya mum used to loosen her but plug when she needs a shit”

I heard other similar sex-related comments about Wayne’s mum over the headsets during my employment, but all were condoned by store management.

During my last weekend shift, Aaron Gore made reference to a customer's “massive tits” and then went on to communicate over the headsets that he liked women “with a bit of meat on them”. 

In the following radio headset exchange (witnessed by Joe Tunney), Aaron Gore asked me what my sexual preferences were. Not wanting to ignore him, I responded by simply saying that sexual preference was subjective. This conversation was overheard by Joe Tunney who quickly jumped in to say that my response was very diplomatic.

On 27 June 2023, Aaron Gore posted:

• “As a team we have been smashing the granny out of everything this last few weeks”.

The discussion then moved on to a conversation between Aaron Gore and Joe Tunney about a customer”

• Joe Tunney: “She changes her mind after I made the order”
• Aaron Gore: “She’s daft as that bike is far too small for her daughter”
• Joe Tunney: “Honestly I don’t know what the fuck she wants”

Tyler joined the conversation, which ended with Joe Tunney saying:

• Joe Tunney: “Sound, well if we can get this done by the weekend then fuck her off will be great”

RICHARD HOWELLS (Technician)

On 1 August 2023, Richard Howells posted a photograph of a number plate “AM I 2 GAY” and wrote:

• “Anyone want to make this number plate?”

On 16 July 2023, Alex Jones posted a photograph of some keys and said:

• “Well I’m a fucking mong”

Further examples can be found in my letter to Halfords Chief Executive, Graham Stapleton (graham.stapleton@halfords.com) dated 18 September 2023. 

Chester People are "Scum"

JOSH PERRY (Store Manager)

Born, bred and based in Wrexham, Josh Perry (below) is Halfords' store manager at Chester (Caldy Valley). Not only does he condone racism and other vile conduct by his team, he also thinks Chester people are "Scum".

Referring to a football match between Chester and Wrexham (attendance 3,183), and reposted in 2021, this screen grab was taken from his Facebook page on 23 October 2023. 

And, he'd rather be dressed as a sex offender in 2022 than whatever was in this removed content.

And this taken from his Facebook page on 23 October 2023.

• "Now send the money grabbing slag down!"

More Racism at Halfords - The Independent

You can read about racism at other Halfords stores in these two recent articles by Nadine White at The Independent.

Chris Best v Halfords Ltd

Mr Adjei-Dawkins v Halfords Ltd

Halfords Racism Letter - 9 September 2023

Halfords Racism Letter - 18 September 2023 (& Appendices)

Halfords Racism Letter - 2 October 2023