Worker moved to storeroom for covering artificial arm

SHE had a prosthetic arm and wore a cardigan to cover it while working in a trendy clothing store.

LEGAL ACTION: Ms Dean arriving for the employment tribunal in London. PICTURE: AP

But she was then told that her look did not comply with the policy of the store, and was sent to the storeroom to work.

And for that, 22-year-old Riam Dean is suing Abercrombie & Fitch.

Ms Dean, a 22-year-old law graduate who was born with no left forearm, is reportedly seeking up to £20,000 ($48,000) from the clothing giant, a favourite with teenagers and twenty somethings.

She is alleging disability discrimination and breach of contract, a spokesman for the Central London Employment Tribunal confirmed.

Did not comply with 'look'

Ms Dean told the Daily Mail newspaper she was initially given permission to wear a cardigan to cover her arm before being told a few days later the cardigan did not comply with the firm's dress code, also known as the 'look policy'.

She told the newspaper: 'I was never asked whether I had a disability at my interview and, to be honest, it never occurred to me to mention it.

'It wouldn't stop me doing my job and I certainly didn't want or expect any special treatment.

'All they seemed interested in was taking my photograph to make sure I had the right image.'

The 45-page handbook, which included the company's Look Policy, did not touch on anything to do with the use of prostheses, said the report, just as long as the sales associates wear clothing that suits the 'Abercrombie' style.

She was advised to wear a white cardigan over her uniform though.

But after a visual team went around the store a few days later, Ms Dean said her manager told her she was breaking the 'look policy' and she was told to work behind the scenes until the winter uniform arrived, she said.

She said: 'Afterwards, I telephoned the company's head office where a member of staff asked whether I was willing to work in the stockroom until the winter uniform arrived.

'That was the final straw. I just couldn't go back.'

Ms Dean worked at Abercrombie & Fitch's flagship London store in the posh Saville Row.

Shoppers entering the outlet are greeted by male models stripped to the waist and browse for clothes in a dimly lit nightclub-style atmosphere.

A spokesman for the store said it could not discuss a pending matter but described Ms Dean's claims as 'inaccurate'.

'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,' the spokesman added.

The tribunal in London started yesterday and is expected to last for up to three days.