Airport worker's hair gel hearing

John Graham uses hair gel

An airport check-in worker sent home for having too much gel in his hair will remain suspended for up to a week.

John Graham, 20, a GMB shop steward at Stansted Airport in Essex, was sent home last Thursday after he arrived at work sporting a spiky hairstyle.

The GMB accuses the handling firm Swissport of being too severe about Mr Graham's hairstyle.

Swissport claims he did not conform to the dress code. Mr Graham faced the hearing on Tuesday.

A GMB spokeswoman said after the hearing that the union was "amazed" that Mr Graham was not being allowed to return to work immediately.

It is madness to threaten a person's living over something like this Gary Pearce, GMB organizer

The company spokesman for Swissport said: "Uniform standards, which are required by Swissport and the company's client airlines, are published to all staff and form part of the terms of employment.

"In addition to the published standards, appearance and grooming is included in the induction and training course given to all staff."

The union said Mr Graham had already conformed to the company's dress code by reducing the amount of gel he used on his hair.

GMB organiser Gary Pearce said: "Workers are only ever suspended for gross misconduct such as stealing or fighting. It is madness to threaten a person's living over something like this."

Commenting on his hair before the hearing John Graham said: "You would not even notice if you passed me on the street it is not something that stands out or you would pass comment on."