British Tribunal Rejects Rastafarian's Employment Discrimination Claim

Britain's Employment Appeal Tribunal has rejected a discrimination claim by a Rastafarian who was fired from his position as a driver because of his hair style. The case is Harris v. NKL Automotive, Ltd., (EAT, Oct., 3, 2007) [Word.doc]. The Tribunal found that the employer required drivers "should have a smart professional haircut and should ensure hair is tidy". The Tribunal concluded that since the company did not object to the wearing of dreadlocks if they were "tidy", the dismissal did not discriminate against Rastafarians. Reporting on the case, Out-Law.com reviews the case law in Britain involving employer dress codes under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.