Sex discrimination: Pony-tail ban was discriminatory
This report relates to 1 case(s)
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Smith v Safeway plc [1995] IRLR 132 EAT (1 other report)
The dismissal of a man for wearing a pony-tail was an act of sex discrimination, holds the EAT in Smith v Safeway plc. The employer's rule on hair length was capable of being applied uniformly for men and women, and placing a different and more onerous restriction on men only was clearly less favourable treatment on the ground of sex.
Employees working in the food-handling departments at Safeway supermarkets are subject to rules on their hair-styles.