We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Male employee asked to cut hair short
highguyuk
Posts: 2,763 Forumite
A family member has been advised that, according to company policy and his contract, that he must cut his hair short.
His hair is the same length as when he started his job but has only just been requested to do this i.e. they employed him with this style and he has not significantly changed.
His contract states:
male employees are expected to wear a business suit with coordinated accessories to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be short, neat and tidy. Male employees should be clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair (i.e. moustache or beard) may also be worn;
female employees are expected to wear conservative business attire to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be neat and tidy. Shoes should not be casual;
He is smart, presentable, suited and wears his long hair typically in a top knot rather than loose and straight.
This feels like this isn't right and is discrimination, but I'm no expert. Can anyone advise?
His hair is the same length as when he started his job but has only just been requested to do this i.e. they employed him with this style and he has not significantly changed.
His contract states:
male employees are expected to wear a business suit with coordinated accessories to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be short, neat and tidy. Male employees should be clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair (i.e. moustache or beard) may also be worn;
female employees are expected to wear conservative business attire to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be neat and tidy. Shoes should not be casual;
He is smart, presentable, suited and wears his long hair typically in a top knot rather than loose and straight.
This feels like this isn't right and is discrimination, but I'm no expert. Can anyone advise?
0
Comments
-
I would say its discrimination, based on sex being a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, and there being no obvious exemption based on the information given0
-
It's common sense. Long hair on a man looks scruffy. What sort of bum society is it that objects to dress code based on sex. Can a policeman have long hair in a pony tail?0
-
How long has he been working there?
If less than two years, how much does he want to keep the job? Because even if it is discrimination, they can very easily get rid of him for some other reason, and arguing that it was actually sex discrimination would have no guarantee of success.
Is he in a union?Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
If women are allowed long hair and men aren't, and are doing the same job, then I would say it is sex discrimination. It's only convention that makes long hair ok for women but 'scruffy' for men.0
-
Eh.
Was asked to tie my hair back in 2004 in my youth as a Deputy Reception Manager on first day - needed job no problem. Served me well.0 -
That attitude is about what I'd expect from a victorian.johnsmith1890 wrote: »It's common sense. Long hair on a man looks scruffy. What sort of bum society is it that objects to dress code based on sex. Can a policeman have long hair in a pony tail?Changing the world, one sarcastic comment at a time.0 -
A family member has been advised that, according to company policy and his contract, that he must cut his hair short.
His hair is the same length as when he started his job but has only just been requested to do this i.e. they employed him with this style and he has not significantly changed.
His contract states:
male employees are expected to wear a business suit with coordinated accessories to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be short, neat and tidy. Male employees should be clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair (i.e. moustache or beard) may also be worn;
female employees are expected to wear conservative business attire to present a well-groomed conservative business image. Hair should be neat and tidy. Shoes should not be casual;
He is smart, presentable, suited and wears his long hair typically in a top knot rather than loose and straight.
This feels like this isn't right and is discrimination, but I'm no expert. Can anyone advise?
On the face of it, it appears a straight forward case of discrimination.
However, as others have mentioned is this something he feels like fighting over and does he have 2 years service yet?Originally Posted by shortcrust
"Contact the Ministry of Fairness....If sufficient evidence of unfairness is discovered you’ll get an apology, a permanent contract with backdated benefits, a ‘Let’s Make it Fair!’ tshirt and mug, and those guilty of unfairness will be sent on a Fairness Awareness course."0 -
Not sure I see the discrimination.
He’s asked to maintain hair in a professional cut
Women are asked to do the same.0 -
I'm guessing it's the fact that men are told "short, neat and tidy" where the women are only told "neat and tidy".Not sure I see the discrimination.
He’s asked to maintain hair in a professional cut
Women are asked to do the same.:heartpuls Mrs Marleyboy :heartpuls
MSE: many of the benefits of a helpful family, without disadvantages like having to compete for the tv remote
Proud Parents to an Aut-some son 0 -
Deleted%20User wrote: »Eh.
Was asked to tie my hair back in 2004 in my youth as a Deputy Reception Manager on first day - needed job no problem. Served me well.
The OP states that his family member is wearing his hair in a top knot.That attitude is about what I'd expect from a victorian.
It's a preference. Personally I think topknots can look good, not so fond of long hair loose on men. Just a preference.Yes I'm bugslet, I lost my original log in details and old e-mail address.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 349.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453K Spending & Discounts
- 242.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.4K Life & Family
- 255.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards