Uniform??

[cazwinhelp]

I currently work for a company that has recently suggested that staff should wear a uniform. I am very unhappy about this and wondered if they are allowed to force staff to wear a uniform that they are very uncomfortable with? I ask because I am larger than average and feel humiliated and degraded having to discuss the fact that I cant fit into any of the uniforms in the brochures we have been given. It is also difficult to discuss this with the manager as it is a man.

[TCL-MUMPING]

If it is a condition of employment that you wear a uniform then the employer will have to arrange for a suitable one to be made up if there is not one in your size. You may feel humiliated and degraded but how would you respond if all but you are in uniform and you are asked why that is?

[buildersmate]

If it is a condition, then agree with TCL. But I think the company is wanting to do it from scratch. If so, they are on very dodgy ground unless there is a justifiable business reason.
I do suggest that you pluck up courage and ask what you are supposed to do since the range proposed does not fit your needs. Is there no-one in HR you can talk to?

[Panic Button]

I have almost always worn a uniform in my jobs, and I prefer it.

You save a fortune on your own clothes, and don't have to make a decision what to wear in the mornings.

As Corbyloon says, it is up to them to supply one that fits you.

Grow a thick skin.

[cazwinhelp]

Thanks for the replies guys! Mumping - I suppose you're right - I never thought of that. I feel a little better though knowing that I can now challenge the decision by asking for a justifiable business reason, as buildersmate says.
Thanks again :)

[TCL-MUMPING]

As long as the dress code is not discriminatory and takes any religious requirements into account, the employer will be allowed to introduce a dress code. If you think of all the folk who work in say ASDA or M & S, there is no need for them to wear a certain company outfit-a name badge and photo would confirm they were employees-but they do.

Where I work, we do not meet the public but have to abide by a dress code which did include wearing a tie but that was ruled to be discriminatory so we do not need to wear a tie now.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Are you in a Trade Union? If not, you need to do the leg work yourself. Are they definitelyl implementing the uniform? If so, why? Have they consulted with staff and customers as to the necessity or desirability of a uniform? Are the other members of staff in favour of it?

Although I've like having a uniform in jobs I've done in the past, the one bugbear has been the amount of changes of clothing you were given. You'll be lucky if you get two, meaning you have to wash it each night so it's dry the day after next. It may sound petty, but normally you have your entire week's worth of clothing ready on a Sunday night and the shortage of clothes is a nuisance.

[cassa333]

Unless you work at hooters or something :) Don't worry about it. I am 'a little larger than average' and have worn many uniforms. Some that even made me look like a gnome. It looked good on the sticks but not so on me, However they should get you one that fits and if they need to get one custom made then so be it.

At least you know that they aren't going to get rid of you next week after spending out the extra on it :)

[cassa333]

Forgot to add... Some people balk at a uniform as often they are not 'cool' or make you look like a numpty but at the end of the dy who cares? If everyone is wearing the same then you all look like numpties and so at least have a common gripe in the canteen!!

As has been said it saves a bundle on buying clothes as well.

[Twenty20]

Don't feel 'degraded' or 'humiliated', its really not your problem if the sizes in the brochure are too small, thats the company's problem, let them worry about it.

I think, once you get a uniform, you'll probably be quite happy to wear it as it saves a lot of bother. Do make sure though, as people have suggested, that you get 3 or 4 uniforms so that youre not forever washing it. It might be worth suggesting this at the outset.

[saxy_jag]

Your employer has the right to request that you adhere to a dress code whilst at work. That can be as loose as not wearing jeans or insisting that men wear collar and tie. If it involves particular clothes (ie a uniform) then your employer must either provide it or must provide you with the money to buy it yourself - in a size suitable for you. And that includes getting it made in your size if necessary.

Everyone will be in a similar situation, I would imagine. Some won't be suited by the colour or shape, or instance. Treat it like a school uniform - ridiculous and unflattering, but at least you'll have the comfort of knowing you didn't choose it.

[brenda]

Never ever be ashamed or embarrassed that you are larger than the stick insects you see in brochures .

You are a person in a job and doing O.K, otherwise they would have sacked you by now.

So when they ask you what size you require for this uniform , just say mines a size whatever and leave them to sort it out.

Don't even think about apologising for your size , just remember that big is often beautiful.

[echokilo]

Well said Brenda!! Couldn't agree more!

[cazwinhelp]

Thankyou everyone for your answers! I feel more confident already :)