A man who applied for a role at The Ritz was told that "Afro-style" hair was banned among staff at the prestigious London hotel.
The hotel’s employee grooming policy was sent to Jerelle Jules, 30, after he had reached the final interview stage.
After receiving what Mr Jules considered to be a "disingenuous and lacklustre" apology, he was later told that a black hair stylist from the hotel had approved the policy phrasing.
The document indicated "institutional racism", Mr Jules said.
Two weeks ago he applied for a job as a dining reservations supervisor and was sent the policy shortly before he was due to attend the final interview.
Staff could not have "unusual hairstyles such as spiky or Afro-style", the policy stated
.Mr Jules declined the interview as it was the first time he had been told he could not have Afro hair for a job.
The policy was introduced in 2021 and was an example of "corporate ignorance", he said.
"I want to make sure that things like this don't happen again," Mr Jules said.
"It's about inclusivity and black professionalism."
He said he had invited The Ritz to talk about diversity and being "open to all candidates".
"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,” a representative of the five-star hotel said.
The hair policy was "blatant discrimination", Andy Slaughter, Labour MP for Hammersmith, told the BBC.
"The response by The Ritz on being challenged is wholly inadequate," Mr Slaughter said.
"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."
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face
The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.
The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran.
Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf.
"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said.
Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer.
The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy.
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
THE SPECS
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
