Fly me to the…employment tribunal

Can employers require employees to change their hair styles?

This case concerns a major airline and whether it is acceptable to ask a member of staff to change their hair style.

DLP often receives calls and emails about uniform queries and whether employers can ask men and women to dress differently.

Prior to being let go last month, the employee said he was given three options: cut his hair, put it in a turban, or get dreadlocks.

But after he told employers that he was neither “sikh” nor “rastafarian” he says he was dismissed, just two weeks into his job. The airline stated that ‘it would not comment on employment matters relating to individuals’.

It is likely this case will escalate further and could make it to tribunal.

But what can we learn from this? It is critical to get advice when requesting employees make changes to their appearance.

Should you have any questions feel free to reach out to our help line. DLP advisors are available to answer any questions you may have at 0330 400 4495.