Newsflash: ACAS guidance – dress code

ACAS has just published updated guidance, available here, on how to apply dress codes in the workplace.

The guidance is a one page summary and its key points are:

• employers must avoid unlawful discrimination in a dress code policy (for example religious dress should be approached sensitively);
• employers may use a dress code policy for health and safety reasons;
• dress codes must ensure equality between men and women. However it is noted that there may be different requirements applicable to each; and
• employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

ACAS encourages employers to fully consider the reasoning behind a dress code policy. In particular that employers ought to have a decent business reason for any restrictions in the policy and that it should not be discriminatory. The guidance goes into further detail on how to approach tattoos, body piercings and religious dress.