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Headscarf hairdresser wins £4,000
Danny Brierley, Evening Standard17.06.08
A Muslim woman who was refused a job at a hairdressers because she wore a headscarf has won £4,000.
Bushra Noah accused Sarah Desrosiers, the owner of an " alternative" salon in King's Cross, of religious discrimination after failing to land a job at an interview in May last year. An employment tribunal panel dismissed the claim of direct discriminationbut said offence had been caused to the 19-year-old, who had applied for more than 20 salon jobs without success.
The central London tribunal was told Ms Desrosiers was persuaded to give her an interview but was shocked when she wore a headscarf.
She told Mrs Noah she needed stylists to showcase alternative hairstyles. The panel found Mrs Noah of Acton had been badly upset by the interview and awarded her £4,000 damages for "injury to feelings".
Ms Desrosiers, 32, said: "I never in a million years dreamt that somebody would be completely against the display of hair and be in this industry."
Reader views (11)
This fine is outrageous and against any form of common sense. One can't help wondering if the complaint was malicious. Does Bushra Noah think she is furthering the cause of Muslims in this country? Actions like this only drive a wedge between communities. Still, she probably doesn't care, after all she's £4000 richer and many of the indigenous people of this country are that much more alienated.
- Peter Jay, Hertfordshire, England
The tribunal has let us down very badly. How could they be so ignorant and out of touch? She should have been fined and made to pay costs for wasting everyone's time, not encouraged with a £4,000 pay out.
- Steve Green, Purley UK
I am sick and tired of these people claiming `discrimination` for this and that, this case is ridiculous and I suppose us tax payers forked out for it in some way shape or form as we seem to pay for everything else. It`s no wonder bitter resentment is building up in this country. Did she honestly think she would be a good advocate for that particular hairdressing salon with her head covered up constantly, surely if she had wanted the job THAT badly she`d have removed it for the period while she is at work? Still, £4000 is good pay just for moaning and making a complaint, if that`s how she wishes to earn money. My old fashioned parents taught me to go out and work darn hard to earn any money that came my way, seems to be a thing of the past in this country now - clearly.
Unbelievable, well actually it isn`t - it`s come to be expected of some. I, for one have had enough.
- Wendy Spedding, cheltenham
I too am a Muslim and adorn the headscarf, but why would anyone want to be a hairdresser and wear a headscarf? The title "hairdresser" reflects the occupation. It is similar to a cook in a canteen who won't touch pig meat because it is against their religion!
- Shoyna, Essex
Just goes to prove what we've always known - the law is a fool and judges live on Planet Zog.
- Phil, Reading
Absolutely disgraceful verdict, political correctness gone totally mad. The owner of the salon should be very careful who she interviews in the future.
- Steve, Loughton, Essex
What a load of rubbish.
- John, London
A fine of £4,000 for ‘injury to feelings’? Injured victims of dangerous drivers get a fraction of that!
We are talking about a law-abiding businesswoman being fined at least ten times the amount the scum of society get fined for drugs offences and physical assault in magistrates courts.
And for what? For expressing the opinion, in a country of free speech, how she would prefer her prospective employees to dress.
And incredibly, this 19-year-old still won this case despite the telling fact that she had failed to get a job in 20 interviews.
This verdict beggars belief and sets an awful precedent in a country which is gradually losing its traditions, culture and free speech in the cause of multiculturalism.
Guess what – I have a devout religious belief which encourages the wearing of a red nose and golden codpiece. What? You want me to remove these before I start work? You’ve injured my feelings and I demand £4,000.
- Mike, Southend, Essex
This verdict was outrageous. Bushra Noah must have known that her way of dress was not suitable for working in a business dealing with fashionable hair styling. She would have appeared totally out of place. Let us hope that customers rally round to pay the fine.
- M Wilkinson, London, UK
What an outrageous verdict.
- Jennifer Turner, London
Ridiculous. Yet another victory for the compensation culture of this country. Hang on, I fancy being a pilot - will my very poor eyesight and the fact I can't fly be an issue?
- Al, Reading, UK
