There is currently no existing law in the UK specifically relating to dress codes and work uniform rules. This means employers can decide if and what rules to implement when creating their dress code. However, if an employer does decide to impose a dress code, they must ensure that the rules do not unlawfully discriminate against workers.
For more information on work uniform rules and what employers can and can’t do, keep reading this blog…
What Employers Can Do
- Employers can implement a dress code policy. This policy must explain all of the rules in detail and also set out the consequences of not complying and the procedures that will follow non-compliance.
- Employers can implement work uniform rules that restrict what an employee wears as long as these restrictions are necessary to achieve a legitimate business aim. For example, stating employees must tie their hair up for health and safety, or wear company colours for better visibility and branding.
- Employers can (and must) offer reasonable adjustments to work uniform rules for those who are disabled, have religious needs or are going through a gender transition.
- Employers can offer some form of financial contribution towards the cost of work uniforms. This not only helps to support employee’s compliance with uniform policies but also helps to create positive workforce relations.
- Employers can discipline and evenly permanently dismiss employees in cases of persistent non-compliance.
What Employers Can’t Do
- Employers cannot enforce uniforms that discriminate against employees based on any of the nine protected characteristics laid out in the Equality Act 2010: race, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or belief, pregnancy, marriage or gender reassignment.
- Employers cannot include any gender-specific rules or sexist requirements like forced high heels or specific hairstyles. All work uniform rules must be equivalent for both male and female staff members.
- Employers cannot charge their employees for personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees may however be required to return the PPE when their contract ends.
- Employers cannot deduct so much for a work uniform that the employee’s wage drops below the National Minimum Wage.
- Employers cannot apply uniform policies unfairly or inconsistently - all employees must fall under the same rules.
If you are creating a workplace uniform policy and need to customise clothing with your company logo, you’re in luck! At Class Workwear, we stock a wide range of custom clothing, from office wear to outdoor workwear and more.
All of the garments on our site are available to be customised with your company logo or slogan today. If you have any questions about our product range or customisation processes, please use the button below to get in touch with our team!
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