They want me to cut my hair!

mini5476

Hey
I work in a chipper , and they keep telling me to cut my hair , I keep saying no and offer to wear a hat/hairnet but they say no that i have to cut my hair

Are they allowed to make me cut my hair???? , I'm a guy and there are girls there with long hair , but myine is just about to short to tie up

MarkR

I would have thought a hair net would be ok. Do you have a contract that mentions this? Ask for it in writing if they insist. Can't see how it would be fair for ladies and not lads to have long hair.

mini5476

My hair is messier than the girls but soon it'll be the same !
does it count as discrimination?

The girls had to wear hats a couple of months ago but after a couple of weeks it went back to normal

matrim

It is discrimination, if they keep insisting, tell them you will if the girls have to aswell. I used to have long hair and a job I was in tried this on me. I told them that and just mentioned that it was sexist and they stopped.

mini5476

But does it matter that I'm working with food?

leeroybrown

It it doesn't matter for the girls then they shouldn't force you to do it.

KoopaTroopa

Maybe it's just the messiness that's the problem. Try slicking it back or styling it in a neater way.

Gillo

Chances are your contract says that you have to look presentable / respectable; unfortunately thats a grey area. Working in a chipper I wouldn't have thought that long hair is a problem.

As for the hair nets, you have do wear them if you are working with food. Does your boss not have a HACCP plan in place?

the_syco

Just wear a hat, and they can't complain, tbh.

Wishbone Ash

A female Garda/Soldier/Air Corps/Sailor is allowed to have long hair (tied up) but it is not permitted for males. I don't think requesting you to cut your hair is illegal.

matrim wrote:

I used to have long hair and a job I was in tried this on me. I told them that and just mentioned that it was sexist and they stopped.

Just because they stopped, that doesn't make it illegal. Maybe they didn't think pursuing it was worthwhile.

the_syco

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Just because they stopped, that doesn't make it illegal. Maybe they didn't think pursuing it was worthwhile.

If they want you gone, they'll find a reason. Try not to be late.

drdre

yes it does make a difference as it makes a dirty impression to the customer.

Pablo

As far as I am aware, there is a legal requirement for the company to give you a hair net, and you will have to comply. If they are getting more pushy ask them to give it to you in writing.

Beekay

drdre wrote:

yes it does make a difference as it makes a dirty impression to the customer.

The hair being unkept or that its is long hair on a male that gives a dirty impression?

0utshined

drdre wrote:

yes it does make a difference as it makes a dirty impression to the customer.

How?

If the OP has it in a hairnet like he has suggested then what makes that different to the females that have their hair in hair nets?

Mr Magnolia

Have you a big long greasy mullet or is it relatively tidy? <I'm emphasizing the greasy here> If it's clean and respectable I can't see the problem TBH.

If you contact a citizens advice bureau or a resource centre they'll inform you of the legal obligations.