To ask for for advice on how to solve this.

[QuestionableMouse]

I work for a huge multi national company. Its fast food based.(if anyone knows who it is, please DON'T mention the name)

We recently got a new business manager and he's making my life hell at work. I have sensory issues and can't tolerate the feel of tights. Even the thought of putting them on makes me start to panic. I'm trying to find cotton or natural fibre tights but it's hard because I'm a size 24 and they all seem to run small.

For the last year, I've been wearing leggings under my skirt (the last business manager was absolutely fine with this)

I've just been sent home from work for it. It means I've lost £50 quid that I really needed. He also really embarrassed me in front of the customers by shouting at me like a naughty toddler. I'm not going to lie, I sat and cried in my car.

I'm not sure how to solve it. I can't wear normal tights, have spent £50+ trying various cotton ones and at this point I just want to go to work without all the drama. Is there anything legally that might help me?

Thank you

Can you try them for a few days and see if you can get used to them.

I'm going to assume trousers aren't allowed? Are the natural fibre ones available in a stocking or hold up that may make the sizing more manageable for you?

I’m sorry to hear this. Is he completely aware of your situation? I would speak to your HR dept and confirm that you can wear the alternative to tights. I would then ask to speak to him and calmly explain that it has been ok’d by HR and that you look forward to working with him in future. Don’t let him see that he’s got to you. Good luck

Stockings aren't allowed. Has to be tights only. I've tried the trousers and they're a wool blend that sent me too too.

It's not something I can 'get used to'... I've tried and I just can't cope with them.

Ok I’m not in the UK but there must be some employment welfare organisations you can contact, I’m sure someone will come along shortly with help. However, in this day and age I’m shocked that employers can require staff to wear tights, it sounds like a 1980’s cabin staff advert (trust me I did my best to get a job with Dan Air😂), leggings sounds perfectly reasonable and I’m shocked this is an employment issue and how it’s making you feel. Ask for everything in writing, email whatever, do not accept verbal instructions as fact, ask for written back up of the policy etc. they are seriously on dangerous ground and I suspect asking for everything in writing they will back off, best of luck, be strong xxx😘

How would they know if you were wearing stockings rather than tights under your uniform?

I don't mean to sound obtuse here, but what role do you have in a fast food chain where anyone would be able to tell the difference between you wearing tights or stockings?

Cross posted with Gin

Do you have a diagnosis that explains your sensory issues? I would have thought you may be able to have leggings as a ‘reasonable adjustment’?

I’m sorry they were so mean to you :( 💐

I’d tell him tights cause you thrush (and scratch as appropriate during the convo). Make sure to shake his hand to thank him for listening to your concerns.

In Australia we have ‘fairwork’ to go to, that will advocate and assess a situation, in OZ you have significantly fewer rights and entitlements then being employed in the uk, yet in your situation I think I’d have a case in OZ, I suspect in the UK you have a massive case, I cannot ever imagine a job that is totally critical on employees wearing rights, what do the men do then???!!!!

Tights I mean!

You could try Ulla Popken - they definitely have cotton tights in the winter and theirs come in plus dress sizes (they aren't vanity sized at all, but iirc they're 24-26 as sizing so should be ok): you do have to pay for returns with them.

Otherwise, possibly Simply Be or JD Williams will have some: Evans probably won't at this time of year.

And check out Stockings HQ - they're also good for both non-nylon and plus sizes.

Failing all those - eBay US site have far wider range of plus-sized hosiery ("Queen Size" is what you are after there).

Sorry he's made you feel this way

Fissionchips 🤣🤣

Are your work tights black Op? If so couldn't you just get cheap leggings that are little on the small side - I'm not sure how he could tell them Apart from regular tights. And by the way - he was an arse!!

Are you not allowed bare legs?

Or what about wearing the leggings under the trousers?

Get your work trousers lined OP. A decent dressmaker can do that for you...in thin cotton.

Could you wear leggings under trousers?

Is there an occupational health department you can discuss this with? They can then recommend adjustments to your manager.

Do you have a diagnosis for what is causing the sensory issues?

Is the company policy to wear tights or trousers only?

Get yourself to HR and discuss this issue with them and also your managers attitude when he "discussed " it with you.

If it's the company I think it is you need to contact your "people person" there are also groups for those who have MH issues at head office in Hertfordshire. If it helps you can PM me as my daughter ( who works at Head office but not in HR) might be able to find out who you can contact at head office for support with this.

Thank you.

I'm basically a hostess (god I hate that phrase) so out on the dining area rather than behind a till. Definitely not allowed bare legs (black tights only). I asked about stockings (or over knee socks) and got told it must be tights.

I've tried leggings under the trousers and got rubs. (it's also really hot at times and I sweated like a pig)

I'm going to email HR in a bit and lay it all out. I don't have a formal diagnosis as such but I've wondered for a while about autism. GP isn't really interested though.

How on earth will he know you have stockings on instead of tights ? YY to PPs thrush comment add that you are concerned the accompanying odour might put customers off their food

It is not ok for any manager to make you so embarrassed and upset that you cry. I would take that up with HR as your main point, it is very poor management skills on his behalf and, if it's the company I think it is, it's not something they would endorse either.

Some people go power crazy, even with a little bit of power, and I'll bet he wouldn't try it with someone with more confidence. He's picked you out as an easy target to bully, and he need to be pulled up on it. Go over his head, area supervisor or the next one up. Involve HR, get it all in writing.

Hmm you can get thin leggings with sort of half feet in them - possibly balllet/dance ones??? Thinking they could work?