24/06/2009

Student Sues Clothing Store Over Prosthetic Arm

A law student is suing a clothing firm for disability discrimination because she claims did not fit the company's strict "Look Policy" as she has a prosthetic arm.

Law student Riam Dean, 22 - who was born with her left forearm missing - is also seeking £20,000 in damages from the Savile Row branch of Abercrombie & Fitch.

The 22-year-old has worn the prosthetic limb since she was a baby and said she never thought to mention it during her interview.

Once she was given the job, she says she was granted special permission to wear a white cardigan to cover her arm.

But she claimed she was handed a thick guidebook when she joined the company dictating everything from how employees should wear their hair, to the length of their fingernails.

Ms Dean also said she was sent to the stockroom and asked to work from there until the winter uniform arrived.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "We cannot discuss the specifics of a pending matter, but can say that Miss Dean's portrayal of what occurred during her employment with Abercrombie & Fitch is inaccurate.

"We regret that Miss Dean has felt it necessary to bring a claim to the Employment Tribunal.

"Abercrombie & Fitch has a strong anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy, and is committed to providing a supportive and dignified environment for all of its employees."

(JM/BMcc)

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