A FASHION company has performed a U-turn after an NHS worker who won their giveaway contest was refused her prize because she will be “working a frontline shift”.
Lara Harper, from Glasgow, was delighted to have won Oh Polly’s competition for frontline staff, which would see her receive a “care pack” and new outfit to join in with a “virtual cocktail party” today.
However, the nurse was gutted to find out that her twelve hour shift clashed with the virtual party and that as a result, she could not claim her prize.
Screenshots of her conversation with the retailer show Oh Polly rescinding their offer after finding out Lara will not be able to attend their promotional event.
A member of their social media team wrote on Wednesday: “Unfortunately the prize was joining our party, the dress and care package was a little something to participate in on the evening of the event.
“So sorry you were unable to join us babe and we do hope you are able to join us at further competitions.”
A furious Lara took to social media to expose Oh Polly’s behaviour.
She shared the screenshots with the caption: “Imagine entering an Oh Polly competition for NHS workers and winning, but can’t participate due to working a 12hr shift on Friday on the frontline.
“And then being told you can’t claim the care package and outfit because you’re unable to be on the video call.”
She followed it with another, writing: “Surely defeats the purpose of a competition to support frontline workers?
“Being told you’ve won and then getting your prize taken off you because you are working in this pandemic.”
Lara’s post, which has since clocked up more than 14,000 likes online, has outraged social media users.
Rachel White wrote: “Wow this is the second thing I’ve seen about @ohpolly and their savage behaviour, absolute a no from me on any purchases.
“‘We’re grateful for your hard work Lara but if you can’t meet our advertising plug we’d rather pick someone else’ wow.”
Georgia Brookes added: “This is shocking.”
And Charlie Kray said: “Eww will never shop at oh Polly again after seeing this shame on them.”
Following the backlash, Oh Polly apologised to Lara and advised she would be able to receive her prize after all.
They wrote: “Hey Lara, we’d really like to apologise. There’s been a misunderstanding internally on the logistical aspect of this event and you’re completely within your rights to be upset by this response.
“As mentioned on messages, the original box you won was only relevant to the activity taking place on Friday on FaceTime but as agreed we’d still love to send you an outfit.”
However, online commenters remained unimpressed.
One woman named Emmy wrote back: “Mix up? If she hadn’t posted it for everyone to see you wouldn’t have given her a new outfit anyways?
“I understand you don’t owe anyone anything, but those that enter your competitions promote your business, otherwise we wouldn’t know who you even are.”
The third year nursing student had recently opted to continue her placement to help out the NHS.
Speaking today, the 20-year-old said: “I was always a huge fan of oh Polly. I have a lot of dresses and clothing from them.
“However after this I have lost a lot of respect for them.
“I feel it was more about the publicity of them doing stuff for the NHS workers rather than actually giving to those in need.”
A spokesperson for Oh Polly, said: “We messed up and are sincerely sorry for how badly this has been handled. The competition started out with good intentions but we got it wrong and take full responsibility for those mistakes.
“We’re making sure that every winner receives their outfit and care package whether they’re able to attend the virtual event or not. We should have done this from the start and are sorry for getting this wrong.”
