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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not buy a Xmas jumper just for work?

98 replies

PyongyangKipperbang · 06/12/2023 16:58

Where I work they have Xmas jumpers all December. I dont have one.

I have nothing against them but I just dont like them on me and see them as a bit of a waste of money tbh, also as I am now a carer I only work part time so am on a low income so I am not going to spend money unless I really have to!

My boss has said that I need to get one. I asked if it was compulsory, as all uniform is supplied, and she said no but it is expected and that I should get one asap. I have refused saying I dont have the money and she is not happy, she said "You can get one for £20" at which point I said that if I had £20 going begging I would be spending on my childs Xmas!

As I understand it, there is no legal requirement for me to do this, and if I refused on religious grounds she couldnt say anything as it would be discrimination, but "I cant afford it" is fine for her to have a go at me about!

OP posts:
Ibizabar · 06/12/2023 16:59

Charity shops are full of them. No need to spend 20 quid if you want to get one.

User13579367337 · 06/12/2023 17:01

Keep repeating you don’t have one and can’t afford one. If you’re willing to wear one I’d tell her I’m x size, feel free to provide me with one if it’s part of the uniform

FloofCloud · 06/12/2023 17:02

Alternatively just put some tinsel on a jumper you do have

HolyMilkBoobiesBatman · 06/12/2023 17:02

Ibizabar · 06/12/2023 16:59

Charity shops are full of them. No need to spend 20 quid if you want to get one.

That’s entirely irrelevant.
£20 or 20pence makes no difference, it’s not up to your boss to demand you buy one if you don’t want to, and if they’re going to make it compulsory they should be funding it as they do the rest of your uniform.

I might have made a compromise with a festive broach of some sort but not after that attitude from your boss.

bookworm60 · 06/12/2023 17:03

Where I used to work ( customer facing) we were told to do this. I just wore a plain red jumper that I already had and wrapped some tinsel round the neckline and cuffs!

VickyEadieofThigh · 06/12/2023 17:03

I'm curious - is is normal to wear the same jumper every day? Or do people have several?

Whatever - if they want you to wear one, thry need to provide it.

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 06/12/2023 17:04

They want you to wear something specific they can buy it. Tell them it's not environmentally friendly to buy something you don't need. One year I loosely stiched a bit of tinsel round the hem and cuffs of a jumper for the last working day where everyone was wearing their jumper.

emmetgirl · 06/12/2023 17:05

That's CF. I'd bloody refuse.

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 06/12/2023 17:06

@FloofCloud @bookworm60 we must have been raised in the same era 😀

Igottissues · 06/12/2023 17:06

Just get a marker pen and write “this is my Christmas top” on an old jumper - job done! 🤗

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 06/12/2023 17:06

User13579367337 · 06/12/2023 17:01

Keep repeating you don’t have one and can’t afford one. If you’re willing to wear one I’d tell her I’m x size, feel free to provide me with one if it’s part of the uniform

I agree

Original poster
PyongyangKipperbang · 06/12/2023 17:07

VickyEadieofThigh · 06/12/2023 17:03

I'm curious - is is normal to wear the same jumper every day? Or do people have several?

Whatever - if they want you to wear one, thry need to provide it.

I can only assume that the full timers must have more than one!

I know I can get one from a charity but.... I DONT WANT ONE!! And it has been confirmed that it isnt compulsory so I am not going to, but she is being a bit shitty about it.

OP posts:
Behindyouiam · 06/12/2023 17:07

YANBU!! Bloody cheek!!

Unabletomitigate · 06/12/2023 17:09

You could show willing by wearing a tinsel boa.....

VenusClapTrap · 06/12/2023 17:10

I hate the Christmas jumper nonsense. I used to have a jumper with a stag on it, so I just wore that when I had to and claimed it was a reindeer.

YANBU

charmedtomeetyou · 06/12/2023 17:14

Red,green, gold ,silver etc etc jumper or tshirt. Lots of tinsel, stick some baubles on it if you are feeling creative! No you shouldn't be compelled to buy anything for work. Use some imagination. Or borrow one of a pal.

LunaTheCat · 06/12/2023 17:15

If they want you to wear one they can provide.
But ..it’s a bit gross for someone involved in caring to be wearing the same jumper for 4 weeks! Say you wonder have they done a risk assessment on this 😃.

greencheetah · 06/12/2023 17:16

I would just approximate it as well as I could, as PP have said. Red jumper? Pin some tinsel to yourself.

charmedtomeetyou · 06/12/2023 17:17

I am fuming for you btw - your boss casually saying you can get one for £20! In this day and age and you a carer !Bloody cheek!

HappyHamsters · 06/12/2023 17:18

Don't carers wear a uniform, not a jumper.

AdoraBell · 06/12/2023 17:19

Has your boss heard about the cost of living?

Behindyouiam · 06/12/2023 17:26

HappyHamsters · 06/12/2023 17:18

Don't carers wear a uniform, not a jumper.

I think you've misunderstood, OP had reduced her hours at work as she now has caring duties at home, is how I read it.

But I could be wrong.

Behindyouiam · 06/12/2023 17:27

LunaTheCat · 06/12/2023 17:15

If they want you to wear one they can provide.
But ..it’s a bit gross for someone involved in caring to be wearing the same jumper for 4 weeks! Say you wonder have they done a risk assessment on this 😃.

I think you've misunderstood, OP had reduced her hours at work as she now has caring duties at home, is how I read it.

But I could be wrong.

Original poster
PyongyangKipperbang · 06/12/2023 17:28

I am carer for my father, he would NOT appreciate me wearing a xmas jumper!!

OP posts:
mylittleprince · 06/12/2023 17:30

Safety pin a bauble on each boob of an existing jumper. Then if anyone complains say it's your Christmas jumper.