Clean-Shaven Policy?

Police Scotland has introduced a clean-shaven policy. This was considered to be a controversial decision, as a policy like this may amount to indirect discrimination.

Indirect discrimination occurs when a practice in your workplace applies to everyone, but particularly disadvantages someone with a protected characteristic. A lot of the time indirect discrimination will be unintended, which is why it is important to consider how any new policy that you introduce could affect everyone in your business.

A clean-shaven policy could amount to indirect discrimination, as some people may not be able to shave for religious reasons. You are able to implement a clean-shaven policy (or any similar policy) if you can justify the policy as a proportionate means of reaching a legitimate aim.

Police Scotland was able to implement this policy as it “was necessary so that frontline staff could wear protective FFP3 masks”, however, some employees have still threatened legal action.

Before implementing a clean-shaven policy you must consider whether or not it is necessary.