Why are dress and appearance codes an important issue for employers?
All employers need to consider imposing some kind of appearance and dress code, regardless of the field they are working in. For some, a code is crucial in minimising accidents and personal injury claims, while for others it is part of projecting the correct company image. Is it widely accepted for employers to have an involvement in the appearance of their staff? As a rule, it is acceptable for employers to determine the standard of dress and appearance expected of staff at work. This will often include specific items that are unacceptable to the employer, such as piercings, facial hair and mini skirts. For those employing staff to operate machinery or carry out manual work, it is perfectly sensible for employers to ban body piercing or ensure that an employee’s dress and appearance won’t interfere with the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Implementing a dress and appearance code is a question of what is necessary, suitable and socially acceptable in the particular work
