Firm bans staff from having beards

A construction firm has banned its employees from having beards over “health and safety” concerns, a union says.

Staff working for Mears at a site in east London, were told they had to be clean-shaven so they could wear dust masks safely.

Exceptions will be made for people who cannot shave for medical reasons, if a dust mask cannot be worn for medical reasons or if a person has a beard for religious reasons.

Goatees may be acceptable as long as they do not impact the fitting of dust masks, a letter to employees reportedly said. Unite regional official for London, Mark Soave, said: “The arrogance of Mears is hair-raising.” Mears health and safety director Mark Elkington said: “The simple fact is that no dust mask can work effectively unless it forms a seal against the skin.