The Ritz has apologised after a job applicant was mistakenly sent a policy document outlining how “spiky or Afro-style” hair was banned.
Jurelle Jules final round of the application process to become a dining reservations supervisor at the five-star hotel where royalty have stayed in Piccadilly, central London.
But he withdrew his interest in “shock and disappointment” when erroneously sent a staff grooming policy.
It listed unusual hairstyles such as “spiky hair, afro style” were not allowed.
Mr Jules contacted his local MP over the issue and received a call from Ritz bosses who claimed their black hair stylist looking at the documents had approved them.
He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Tuesday: “My biggest concern was that this was done in 2021, and I feel like the language used for something out of the 70s, something that my grandparents had to face when they came here.
“I felt like most companies that I have been to haven’t had policies like this and to see something like this was quite surprising, it was disconcerting for me as well.”
He added: “It was more the language that was used, the language could have been non-discriminatory, they could have said length of hair and I would have been quite okay about it.
“But the trouble is, I think to myself that I have daughters and now that they have got to be approached with jobs that discriminate against them before they are even able to get into these roles.”
The Ritz, which first opened its doors in 1906, reiterated that these are not their grooming rules.
A spokesman told the Standard: “The Ritz London does not condone discrimination of any form and we are genuinely committed to fostering an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all of our colleagues and guests.
“On investigation we have discovered that an out-of-date and incorrect Grooming Policy was regrettably sent to Mr Jules.
“We have been in contact with Mr Jules directly to offer our unreserved apology for this error and are happy that he has agreed to reschedule his interview with us.
“We look forward to having the opportunity to meet Mr Jules in person at the hotel later this week.”
