Hairdressers offered a different kind of cut
1 Sep 06
English law firm offers local salons referral fees for clients with marital problems
An English legal firm is offering hairdressers money to refer customers that they believe are having marital problems.
Trethowans in Salisbury sent out letters to local salons, outlining the scheme. The letter offered £75 for each client referred, which would be paid to the referring hairdresser once a decree nisi of divorce had been granted or the couple had agreed on a separation deed.
One hairdresser, Steven Hall, said he was shocked by the idea and criticised it as unethical and a betrayal of his custiomers' trust, but Trethowans said it had not done anything wrong and claimed that several hairdressers had said they were willing to take part.
Solicitors' professional rules were recently relaxed in England and Wales to permit payment of referral fees, but they remain controversial in the profession. They are not allowed to be paid in Scotland.