Dress Code and Uniforms

When a new employee joins your company how do they know what standards of dress are expected? Is your approach ‘smart casual’ or ‘professional business attire’? Do you expect staff to wear a uniform? Our interpretations can be very different and without clear definition can causes conflict in the workplace.

What is a dress code?

A dress code is a company policy that provides guidance to employees on the clothing that is acceptable to wear while working.

Why have a dress code?

A decision to implement a dress code may be to:

• Maintain health and safety practices
• Communicate a consistent corporate image
• Ensure employees are easily identified
• Provide some guidance to maintain an acceptable standard of dress

What law governs work uniforms?

There is no specific law that requires a dress code at work but there are laws that dictate what you can and cannot include. Any dress code will be unlawful if it discriminates on the basis of any of the nine protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. As an example, the dress code must apply equally to men and women, although there can be different requirements for each.  

Who pays for a uniform?

As the employer you are responsible for providing and paying for items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to comply with health and safety rules.

There is no obligation to pay for other items of uniform, however where a uniform is mandatory you may choose to supply an initial set(s) and allow them to purchase additional sets if they wish.

Can I charge an employee if they refuse to return their work uniform when they leave?

If an employee keeps any PPE without your consent you can deduct the costs of a replacement from their wages owed but ONLY if this is explicitly stated in their contract of employment.

Can employees claim tax relief on their uniforms?

Tax relief cannot be claimed on the cost of buying a uniform. However the cost of cleaning, repairing or replacing specialist clothing that is needed to perform a particular job role is subject to tax relief. Employees can visit the gov.uk website via the following link to find out more:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/uniforms-work-clothing-and-tools