Business Articles

7th June 2007 - Robinsons Solicitors - Clothes advice for firms to stop staff getting hot under the collar

With forecasters predicting that another hot summer is around the corner, employment law specialists at Robinsons Solicitors are warning businesses to iron out any issues surrounding their staff's choice of work clothing.

This week the Met Office said that, despite a slow start, this summer is likely to be warmer than average, meaning that workers will again reach for clothes that will help them to avoid becoming overheated.

But this could lead to some staff losing their cool, especially men who feel they are discriminated against because they are still required to wear a suit, complete with collar and tie, while female colleagues are free to take a more casual approach to their working wardrobe.

A recent You Gov survey found that 55 per cent of employees believe women are allowed to get away with dressing down when the temperatures rise - just three per cent believed men were allowed to dress down without censure.

Now Jameel Mann, assistant solicitor at Robinsons Solicitors, says firms should think seriously about drawing up a gender-neutral dress code, as, although the issue sounds harmless, it has the potential to have a detrimental effect on business.

He said: "Issues over what people wear at work can have a damaging effect on morale and increase tension in the workplace, and it is not unheard of for such matters to reach court or tribunal.

"In order to reduce discontent within the workforce, employers should ensure that a clear dress code is in operation.

"The code should apply 'conventional standards of dress and appearance' to ensure consistency and fairness. In doing so, it will seek to ensure compliance with the demands of discrimination legislation with a need to portray a professional image."

It is recommended that a dress code should stipulate that employees wear traditional business attire when in contact with members of the public and should also ensure that all clothes, whether formal or informal, are appropriate for the working environment.

It should also stipulate the clothing that is deemed inappropriate, whether it be on the grounds of not portraying a professional image or for health and safety reasons.