What's your employer obligations for uniform?
- Seleena Creedon
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Today the UK news has been full of the issues that the Scottish police force have been facing. These issues include poor quality material (thin fleeces), hard to work in trousers (no stretch!) and boots that are so bad they look unprofessional and worse officers are having to purchase their own improved models for comfort reasons.
So if you have a uniform as an employer what do you need to know? Hello People Solutions have outlined everything for you below as a HR resource guide.
Employer Responsibilities Regarding Uniforms includes:
Provision of Uniform
Employers can either provide the uniform free of charge or require employees to buy it.
However, if employees are required to purchase their own uniform, deductions from wages must not take pay below the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Example: if an employee earns close to the NMW and has to buy uniform items (e.g. branded shirt or safety boots), the cost cannot reduce their effective pay below the legal minimum.
Health & Safety Requirements
If the clothing counts as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g. hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots, gloves), the employer must provide it free of charge and ensure it is properly maintained and replaced when necessary.
Employers cannot charge employees for PPE.
Tax Considerations
Employees may be able to claim tax relief on the cost of washing, repairing, or replacing uniforms (but not on PPE provided by the employer). HMRC allows flat-rate deductions for certain occupations with compulsory uniforms.
Maintenance of Uniform
Unless otherwise stated in the contract, employers aren’t required to launder uniforms.
But they must ensure uniforms remain clean and safe, especially in industries like healthcare and food service.
Contracts & Policies
The requirement to wear a uniform should be clearly stated in the employment contract or staff handbook.
Employers should set out rules on what is acceptable (appearance, standards, when to wear uniform, etc.).
Equality & Non-Discrimination
Uniform policies must comply with the Equality Act 2010. Rules must not directly or indirectly discriminate against protected characteristics (e.g., religion, gender, disability).
For example:
Allowing religious headwear with the uniform.
Adjustments for disabled employees if standard uniform causes difficulties.
If your uniform policy and practise needs to be updated just get in touch with Hello People Solutions today and we'll ensure you are hitting the news headlines like the Scottish police are!
Call us: 0115 9304 303
