Ben Quinn
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A Muslim woman was awarded £4,000 yesterday after the owner of a hair salon refused to employ her because she wears a headscarf.
Bushra Noah, 19, who has been rejected for 25 hairdressing jobs, had accused Sarah Desrosiers of religious discrimination after she failed to offer her a position in May last year. Ms Desrosiers, 32, said she needed staff to display their hairstyles to customers at the Wedge salon in King’s Cross, North London.
A panel at the Central London employment tribunal dismissed a claim of direct discrimination but upheld a complaint of indirect discrimination.
Mrs Noah, of Acton, West London, applied for a job as a junior assistant. When she arrived at the salon she claimed that the owner was shocked that she wore a headscarf. Ms Desrosiers told the tribunal she was surprised that Mrs Noah had not mentioned it. She said she needed stylists to reflect the “funky, urban” image of her salon.
The panel refused an application by Mrs Noah for aggravated damages. But they did find that she had been badly upset by the 15-minute interview and awarded her £4,000 damages for “injury to feelings”.
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I am a Muslim and (as these comments suggest), believe that more harm than good comes from decisions like this. The majority of people in this country (of any religion) will see this verdict as deeply flawed. Sadly this will just be seen as 'moaning Muslims' getting there own way again.
Mo, London, London, England
What an appalling and shameful load of politically correct twaddle, but so insidious and dangerous for it sets up future spurious and specious claims, conflicts and some bizarre notion of entitlement and expectation. We are not made all equal nor are we all blessed with similar skills.
paul embleton, watford, herts
Would never go to a hairdressers that didn't use all its personnel to openly display its styles and capabilities. Do hope the salon owner appeals this nonsical charade. Judicial review anyone?
paul embleton, watford, herts
Pathetic, another example of our politically correct society , the vast majority of the general public of this country i am sure would find this decision disgusting, freedom of speech will offend some people some of the time, instead of sueing why not join the debate and change things .
Ivor, Chester, UK
Absolute outrage: will the nation be freed from this persecution and bullying if the Tories get in?
Who was on the panel ?
Tom, Witney, UK
They should have kicked Mrs Noah out of court. I want to be able to sue people for hurting my agnostic feelings too.
Greg, Basel, Switzerland
Mrs Noah may be on a nice little earner. Why not a career as a beautician, but turn up for each interview wearing the burqua. The possibilities are endless.
This costs us ! I wish someone capable of being sued by a Government funded tribunal would injure my feelings, I could do with an easy £4000
John C, Worthing, UK