Veiled UK stylist given $9,000 for discrimination

A British employment tribunal on Monday awarded a Muslim girl 4,000 pounds (8,900 dollars, 5,100 euros) after a hair salon owner refused to employ her because she wears a headscarf.

The tribunal dismissed a claim of direct discrimination, but found that the teen, Bushra Noah, had suffered indirect discrimination and awarded her the settlement for "injury to feelings".

The tribunal owner said she needed stylists to reflect the "funky, urban" image of her central London salon, and that new hires who have conventional hairstyles are requested to re-style it in a more "alternative" way.

In its judgement the London tribunal said it accepted Noah had not been treated differently because of her Muslim headscarf, but that it doubted there was as severe a risk to the business by employing someone wearing a head covering, as claimed by the owner.