A Black jobseeker applying for a job at The Ritz was shocked to learn he was banned from wearing an Afro hairstyle.
Jerelle Jules, 29, had applied for a job as a dining reservations supervisor and was due to attend a face-to-face interview this week.
But the worker said he was "shocked and disappointed" as, after reading the small print in the rules for staff, he learnt that his hairstyle was not suitable.
The policy said "unusual hairstyles" such as "spiky hair, afro style" were not allowed.
Mr Jules said he was excited at the prospect of working at the luxury hotel and on Sunday, he decided to go through the grooming policy ahead of his interview.
The jobseeker said he was "taken aback" by the policy and no longer felt comfortable attending the interview.
He added: "The word Afro itself is obviously indicative of Africans and after reading that I don't feel comfortable going to the interview.
"The policy was updated in June 2021 so this is not something that was written 10 or 20 years ago. It's a recent policy that shows a lack of awareness about being inclusive to people of colour."
Mr Jules raised his concerns about the grooming policy with The Ritz and also sent a letter to his local MP, Andy Slaughter, reports Metro.
He wrote: "I am deeply troubled by this policy as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the self-esteem and confidence of Black individuals. As a young Black man, I have always been proud of my natural hair and consider it to be a part of my identity."
The Ritz apologised and said an "out-of-date and incorrect Grooming Policy" was sent to Mr Jules.
The hotel added it offered an "unreserved apology" for the error and sair Mr Jules agreed to reschedule the interview.
The Ritz London said in a statement: "On investigation we have discovered that an out-of-date and incorrect Grooming Policy was regrettably sent to Mr Jules.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 today 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.
"The Ritz London does not condone discrimination of any form and we are committed to a policy of inclusivity and equality throughout the hotel."
Mr Slaughter described the policy as a "clear example of discrimination", saying it shows "horrendous and totally inappropriate attitude".
The MP called for the luxury hotel to be "totally open and honest" about when they changed their policy and why they sent it to Mr Jules.
