'Downright offensive' Dorchester hotel memo sparks debate over 'discrimination' lawsuits

HR Grapevine recently reported on a leaked email which advised female staff on what they should and should not be doing whilst under employment at The Dorchester hotel. According to The Guardian, this memo could open the establishment up to lawsuits from current and former employees.

The list of do’s and don’ts for female workers included not having oily skin, undergoing full manicures and sporting a full face of make-up. Kiran Daurka, an employment lawyer at Leigh Day, explained to The Guardian why this list of suggestions could have a negative impact on the hotel.

“I would have concerns where a policy seemingly objectifies women by asking them to look a certain way which has no bearing on their ability to do a job,” she told the publication. “For example, hair removal is clearly about objectification and sexualisation, as there is some ideal of what a woman should look like.

“This may also unlawfully offend the religious or other beliefs of women whose belief system does not allow the removal of hair.