Dress codes and H&S

Peter
I had a similar experience a few years back myself. Working in a long narrow office with windows down one side, the sun blaring in, no air con, and unable to open the windows, the females were allowed to come in in short skirts, vest tops, shorts, cropped tops, but the males had to wear long trousers and shirts with a collar. I played the "sex discrimination card" and the guys were permitted to dress more appropriately for the temperature - a victory for common sense!

Very true Elaine!

A clear dress code policy is sensible practice, especially where there are safety issues. It needs to be clearly set out though and explained to staff so they understand why it is in place. . A lot of younger staff have no experience of such policies and sometimes limited awareness of what is appropriate or not. I've had a lot of queries and concerns expressed, particularly in hot weather re catering, post room and school environments. There are work environments where flip flops, open sandals, high heels, cropped tops and shorts are undesirable on safety grounds.. Sometimes you have to spell out what is appropriate, i.e. enclosed low heel shoes, long trousers/shirt sleeves etc. Don't necessarily expect common sense to prevail.

I once fought the sex discrimination and the dress code, I threatened to come to work dressed exactly as one of me female colleagues. I was taken to one side by my manager and asked to explain myself. So I pointed out the female colleague. She was wearing a Polo style shirt and slacks. Shortly after the company dress code was change to reflect this.

Meant to say good health & safety practice to allow men to come open-necked (especially in a building without aircon)

Not sure if there is any actual law (there is always sex discrimination) but it would certainly be good HR practice to allow men to come open necked.

You could always turn up at work wearing a short skirt and a low-cut top and see what happens :-)

Is there any H&S legislation regarding codes of dress in weather such as the heat wave we had recently? Can the wearing of a neck tie, or even long trousers, be enforced in an office environment where female members of staff are free to dress appropriately for the conditions?