The five star Dorchester hotel in London has come under fire after sending a list of personal grooming requirements to its female employees which has since been leaked.
The leaked list of rules for the hotels female staff could open up the luxury hotel to lawsuits filed by current and former employees, critics have said.
Despite the discussion provoked on strict grooming rules in the hospitality industry, the hotel has stood by the rules and maintains that these ‘standards’ that must be withheld.
The rules specify that women were asked not to turn up for work with oily skin, bad breath or garish makeup. They were also encouraged to shave their legs, ensure their fingernails were manicured and avoid body odour.
An unnamed employee told the Daily Mail:
“It’s disgusting. This list is like something out of the dark ages and downright offensive. It’s not as though you choose to have oily skin, and a lot of women, especially teenagers, cannot help it – no facial wash or moisturiser in the world can control that.
“The women are all pretty livid but worry that if they complain – or rebel and turn up to work with chipped, dirty nails and hairy legs, for example – they’ll be sacked on the spot.”
“The Dorchester has a proud community of employees who uphold world-leading hospitality standards, including grooming, in line with many other brands.
“All new applicants, both men and women, are sent a copy of our grooming standards in advance of interview.”
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
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