Dress Codes And Appearance In The Workplace

28 September 2014 Written by Ware & Kay Solicitors Category: Employment advice

Employers must avoid unlawful discrimination in any dress code policy.
Employers may have health and safety reasons for having certain standards.
Dress codes must apply to men and women equally, although they may have different requirements.
Reasonable adjustments must be made for disabled people.
Dress codes should relate to the job and be reasonable in nature.
Consulting with employees over proposals may help to ensure that the dress code is acceptable to all.
The dress code should be in writing and be communicated to all employees.
Employees may dress in a certain way for religious reasons: any restriction should be connected to a real business or safety requirement.
Employers should work with employees to allow them to manifest their faith in a suitable way.
Employers should have sound business reasons for requiring tattoos to be covered and piercings to be removed.
Non-compliance by employees may result in a disciplinary hearing.