the company i work for have decided to change its image and name and have told me that i have to pay for my own uniform which comprises of 3 blouses, 2 trousers and a jacket which could cost up to £100.they want to take it out of my wages at £5 per week.the jacket will have the companys logo and name on it and therefore be comany property.is there any legislation to say that a company can do this?
2006-08-08 07:22:21 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
My company uniform has their logo on it but I didn't have to pay for it, I only have to pay some towards my toetecters they subsidise the rest but saying that the items then belong to me, I know this because I left and took the items with me, I then went back & they provided me with new ones
2006-08-08 07:30:10 · answer #1 · answered by shortstuff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read your question carefully before I realized that you are in the U.K. In the U.S. a company can make you buy a uniform, but then you can deduct it from your income tax at the end of the year. If you don't get a proper U.K. answer, try again and put your country in the question somewhere (my only clue was that you have a type-character for pounds instead of dollars). In the long run- if you plan to stay with the company it's an acceptable investment. The trousers might still be usable for something else if you leave the company, but the blouses and jacket (blazer?) will probably have no use outside this job. If you pay for these clothes they are your property. My advice is that if you should decide to leave the job later, try to sell the uniforms (at a loss, but something is better than nothing) to the next new employee. Good luck.
2006-08-08 07:40:31 · answer #2 · answered by anyone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK yes, they can ask you to pay for the correct clothing to wear to work.. I have friends in the military who are training as officers and they will have to shell out a considerable sum of money parts of their dress uniform.
However with your situation your employer should be able to go to the company accountants and find out which forms it is for this to be deducted from your income tax (not your nat ins) as this is tax free if it is solely for work. Not many people know this, but it can even be used for office workers who need a suit etc for their day to day work. Not sure how it works but if your employer is unco-operative or lazy then visit your local tax office, they are a service you will rarely need an appointment and they are duty bound to help you with their expertise
I would also question this with you union if you are not represented then contact a trade union that is relevant to your sector (the citizens advice bureau can help you with this) they may be able to add a bit of muscle to this debate, but usually union membership starts at about £6 a month increasing depending on if you are a high earner. So you'd have to weigh that one up for yourself.
2006-08-09 10:20:15 · answer #3 · answered by alx n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I Had the same and took legal advise, so get ready for the facts of UK employment law.
If the uniform has the compony name or logo on then it is eligal to even ask you to pay.
If the uniform does not have the compony logo on then they can only ask for a contrabution, however if you wish not to contribute and they want you to wear there uniform then they have to provide it for free.
Good luck, stand your ground and tell everybody, like i did and get yourself and work colleges a free uniform.
2006-08-08 08:43:40 · answer #4 · answered by Lord Robbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to this is NO. Under the Health and Safety Welfare legislation a company cannot impose a regulatory/ madatory uniform.
It is a breech of your human rights, the cost ------if you cannot afford the contribution cost stress and anxiety may result from the financial hardship, company would then be held accountable and responsible for this neglect, which opens the door for you to sue them, try this angle it may work, but only if you are not keen on permanent employment.
2006-08-08 09:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by kally_ stewart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is company policy then it is up to them to supply a uniform.
If they say that everyone must wear smart attire (ie, a suit or similar) then it is up to you to pay for it.
You cannot be expected to pay for clothing you cannot wear anywhere but work.
Are you a member of a union? If so, they will straighten it out for you.
Otherwise, sit down with your line manager & discuss it in a rational way but make it clear that you will not allow them to take any money from your wages.
It is illegal for them to deduct anything from your wages without your written consent unless it is a court ordered Arrestment or a Child Support Agency demand.
2006-08-08 08:21:19 · answer #6 · answered by monkeyface 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the company is perfectly legal to do this. You do have to pay for a uniform at some places. If you don't like it you are perfectly free to find another job.
2006-08-08 08:02:17 · answer #7 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In America, they have to pay if it has there logo on it, but if it's just like 'You need to wear a polo shirt and khakis." You have to pay
The IRS uses this test:
"Is the garment something that can only be worn at the job or can it be used as day to day wear?"
Laws in the UK are different though. Consult a lawyer.
2006-08-08 07:35:01 · answer #8 · answered by Greg P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
under health and safety they are obliged to provide all safety wear but in your case is very common for you to buy your own uniform. would be nice if they could pay for some of it though.
2006-08-08 07:32:21 · answer #9 · answered by dublinfella27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that in India the employer has to pay, if the logos are there. and since Indian laws are mostly adapted from UK laws, i think the same applies to you too in UK
2006-08-12 07:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by Beetle bug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋