Outrage at solicitors' 'trim-and-tell' offer

9:49am Thursday 31st August 2006

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A SOLICITORS' firm has been branded "unethical" by a hairdresser offered cash to refer customers who reveal marital problems while having a trim.

Steve Hall, of Heaven Hair in New Canal, Salisbury, said he was shocked at being told he could receive £75 a time to "betray the trust" of his clients.

But the firm has defended its referral scheme, which does not break any rules or guidelines, saying it is merely a different way of advertising its services, and that several Salisbury hairdressers have already signed up to it.

Mr Hall was stunned when he received a letter from the head of family law at Trethowans, which said his job put him in a position to learn his customers' secrets.

"In the hairdressing profession, working closely with your clients means that you are able to get to know them over time and build a level of trust," reads the letter.

"As a result, some clients may feel comfortable discussing personal issues while receiving treatment.

"In many instances you might provide a listening ear. At other times you might feel able to recommend them on to someone who can help out."

The letter goes on to say Trethowans would pay a £75 referral fee to the hairdresser for anyone whose case it accepts.

The fee is payable when the courts grant a decree nisi in the case, or upon the agreement of a separation deed.

Mr Hall was outraged at the suggestion that he would turn chat and gossip into financial gain.

"I couldn't believe they'd think I'd sell out my customers like that - I just wouldn't do it, absolutely no way," he said.

"It's just a bit underhand and unethical, and if they think that's what hairdressers are about then they should think again."

"The letter goes on about how we get to build up a level of trust with our customers, but then asks us to sell it to them.

"If that happened you'd be afraid to say anything any time you went anywhere.

"I've showed it to every customer and not one person has thought it's a good idea."

But Trethowans' marketing director Bryn Hughes confirmed that several salons had taken up the offer, which is part of a new marketing campaign.

"We have had one objection from another salon owner, but a significant number have accepted," he said.

"This is an ethical way, and a legal way, of trying to improve the profile of our family law team locally.

"It's not widespread - I have heard of other practices using it, but not in our geographical area.

"We can appreciate that it's not suitable for everybody, but it's just a different sort of advertising - it's the same as a mortgage broker."

Mr Hughes added that clients are made aware of all payments, which can be donated direct to a charity if the hairdresser wishes, at a very early stage.

"We are very up-front and open about it all," he said. "We have a process by which the clients who come to us by this are sent a letter in which it advises when a referral fee has been paid, as soon as their case is accepted."