News
HR Zone - Abercrombie & Fitch accused of 'lookism'
25 June 2009
Commenting on the case involving an employee with a prostheic arm who was asked to work in the stockroom because her arm didn't fit the shop's image, Chloe Pereira said:
“With the popularity of shows like Ugly Betty, and increased media coverage of bullying and related issues such as obesity, this case brings to the fore the realities of “lookism”.
“Abercrombie & Fitch are well known for their young, attractive and often scantily clad members of staff. Although there is no protection from discrimination specifically on the grounds of looks, this case highlights the dangers of selecting or treating staff in a certain way based on looks where this falls under the remit of discrimination legislation.”