GM's hair

[anniesno1]

I just want to vent a little and inform the local community of the type of owner at GMs hair salon on Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich.

I have worked at GMs for over a year, starting off as a trainee, finally gaining my title as a junior stylist back in June 2019. I try my hardest to conform to normal salon rules and do all I can to make my guests/clients feel comfortable and relaxed when they are in my chair.

As expected in most of the general public, I have an elevated fear of becoming ill at this moment in time due to the coronavirus. Because of this, today I wore latex gloves whilst in the salon and when I had my guest in I asked if she would mind if I wore my face mask as we are in such close proximity, she stated she was a paediatric doctor at Kings and felt totally fine with this and that she thought it was a great idea. These two items led to me being unfairly sacked, WITHOUT pay.

Unfortunately, the salon owner Matthew (Matt) Rowden has a superiority complex and refused to listen to why I had decided to try to minimise the risk of contracting the disease. I am a single mother of three so I need to be as fit and healthy as possible. Matt continued to poke the situation with his demands and told me that as I wanted to continue to wear the gloves (the mask wasn't on at this point as I was only wearing it over guests and keeping my distance from staff as one of them is pregnant and still wanted to come into work) he was sacking me with immediate effect as well as not paying for the days worked so far this month and the holiday I have owed to me which was booked in over the next week. He blamed this on his financial issues due to the coronavirus, nonetheless. A global issue that has been around for months but only affected his business for the last 2 weeks.

Now I understand that small, local businesses need support. But when the man paying the wages of his staff is more like the Kim Jong-un of the hairdressing world as opposed to Paul Mitchell, it begs the question as to whether you want to support his dictatorial ways with your wallet?

This might sound like an angry rant, but for months, I have been bullied and shouted at by this man almost every time I have been to work. Today was the straw that broke the camels back and unfortunately for GMs, they have lost a hardworking individual. Sadly for me, I am now out of job because I wanted to protect my health,the health of the people around me, my guests and most importantly, my 3 beautiful children.

[siousxiesue]

I wouldn't use a hairdresser at this time, but if I was, I would INSIST they wore a mask and gloves.

[Sue]

GMs have had a bad reputation for years.

I'm so sorry you have been put in this position.

ETA: Surely he can't withhold your pay. I would consult the Citizens Advice Bureau (if they still exist?)

[Gaynor Hill]

Yes they are terrible to work for I knew them both George his wife as well staff do not stay

Once all this is over you will realize better your out of there he's used the excuse of the virus as well

By law he can not dismiss you in this way

Ring a law firm that does no win no fee

All the best

[Gubodge]

I?d advise contacting ACAS in the first instance (https://www.acas.org.uk/contact). They can give advice and help resolve disputes with employers. It should definitely be your first port of call before taking any legal action.

[siousxiesue]

Also, small claims court is an online process and apparently easy to complete

[Cheryl_M]

Really sorry to hear that. My 8yo daughter loves going there but I always find the atmosphere a bit odd. I wont be back now. Heartless owner who I hope will regret his decision. Definitely get in touch with CAB as I'm sure this is illegal. Good luck x