Can an employer require employees to purchase uniforms or tools that are required to perform the job?
A. Minimum wage employees may not be required to purchase these items. The only exception to this rule is the requirement of a “generic uniform” which a minimum wage employee may be required to provide. An example of a generic uniform is a black skirt/pants and white blouse/shirt suitable for street wear. Payroll deductions are not permitted. Employees who receive more than minimum wage may be required to purchase required items as long as a purchase does not take an employee below minimum wage in the pay period in which it was purchased. Also, the cost of the item may not be averaged over more than one pay period. Again, payroll deductions are not permitted.
