Tesco court threat over PIN error

A man is threatening to take Tesco to court for discrimination after twice being refused the right to pay using his credit card with a signature.

Tim Arnold, from Slough in Berkshire, has a brain disorder which affects his ability to remember figures and uses a card that does not need a PIN number.

But he was twice refused the right to pay for goods with his signature at a Tesco store in south London in July.

Tesco apologised for the "mix-up" and said tills could take signature cards.

Mr Arnold, 47, has dyscalculia - one of its symptoms is numeric dyslexia.

"It was a thoroughly shameful, humiliating and despicable experience"
Tim Arnold

He said: "When I'm under pressure, such as when I'm in a supermarket queue I can forget PIN numbers.

"When it comes to numbers I'm virtually dyslexic.

"I am one of an estimated two million people who still use chip and signature and this is enshrined in law which says organisations should make a reasonable adjustment.

"I was particularly horrified when the manager of the store said there were four reasons why they would not accept my card, including one reason that it was government legislation.

"It was a thoroughly shameful, humiliating and despicable experience."

He is now considering taking the matter further under disability discrimination laws.

In a statement Tesco said: "We apologise for the mix-up at this store as the card should have been accepted.

"Chip and pin signature cards are still acceptable means of payment provided customers have been issued with the right card from their bank as this will tell the checkout system not to ask for a PIN.

"It will instead automatically produce a voucher for the customer to sign."

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