Work Uniforms

[Athenais]

I work as a part-time bar assistant in a golf club. The uniform is a black short sleeved blouse. I dont wear short sleaves. What is the law regarding this? I am quite happy to wear three quarter or long sleeve blouse.

What is my best defence, if the employer insists I wear the short sleaved shirt?

Thank you!

[funnygirl]

Cannot you wear a cardigan over the blouse? say a black cardigan.
I am sure if you talk to your boss, explaining your reasons, he may compromise.

[Athenais]

I would like a legal opinion if possible - what is my best defense, if the employer insists???

[buildersmate]

It's a grey area. Was this explained to you at the time of interview? Has it just been introduced?

[Athenais]

At the time of the interview, there was no uniforms in place - this came out a few months ago, but up till now I wore the evening uniform during the day and the old manager did not mind a bit - there is now a new one in place, and I have been told to wear the day one during the day - but is is a short sleeved black top, and I dont do short sleeves! How can I get around this?

[Reverandfunk]

Burger me just wear the uniform lol

[daffy654]

Can I ask what your objection is to the short sleeved top? I had a similar issue when I worked behind a bar and was told I had to wear the promotional t-shirts. I managed to argue my case successfully because I have badly scarred arms and told them I didn't want the customers to stare or be put off by them.

[Athenais]

I have had a very traumatic experience about 5 years ago late at night when I was coming home from a night club, and I was taunted by the men saying that they had targeted me because they liked my short sleeved top - since then I have never worn one again - I cannot!

[daffy654]

I'm not sure what your position on this would be in law but I would try talking to the manager and explaining why you don't wish to wear short sleeves,maybe they will allow you to wear a 3 quarter sleeve instead.

[Twenty20]

If everyone else is wearing the same uniform then it would be difficult to argue against it. I'm not sure 'I dont do short sleeves' is a valid argument and you would be more likely to be 'targeted' by wearing something different to everyone else.