Hammersmith Man Angry over Ritz's Afro ban

Told during job selection process that hairstyle wasn’t acceptable

Jerelle Jules being interviewed on Good Morning Britain

April 12, 2023

A man from Hammersmith has said that he was unable to take a job at the Ritz Hotel after it informed him that his Afro hair style was unacceptable.

Jerelle Jules had reached the final stages of the recruitment process when he was sent a document on staff grooming policy which stated that this style of hair was banned.

The 30-year-old who currently works in the corporate housing sector immediately withdrew his application for a role as a dining reservations supervisor describing the five-star hotel as institutionally racist.

The policy mentions Afro-style and spikey hair as specifically not being part of the accepted appearance for staff in a document that was first published in 2021. Mr Jules said it was an example of ‘corporate ignorance’ and he has asked to speak to the Ritz about its diversity policies.

He received what he described as a "disingenuous and lacklustre" apology from The Ritz who told him that the policy phrasing had been approved by a black hair stylist.

The Ritz has denied the accusation of racism saying it "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."

Mr Jules’ MP, Andy Slaughter said, "The response by The Ritz on being challenged is wholly inadequate.

"They have not explained how this racist and demeaning policy came about or what they now intend to do to address its legacy.

"Mr Jules has offered to help them improve their recruitment process, which is a generous offer and one they should take up. There is no room for this type of attitude from employers."

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Hammersmith Man Angry over Ritz's Afro ban

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