Getting minimum wage but paying for part of my uniform

[Wonderingaboutpay]

I was being paid £7.65 p/h before the minimum wage increased. My employer has now increased my pay to £7.83 as per the new minimum wage. My employer has a uniform policy that requires me to wear a top bearing the company logo, black or navy trousers and black shoes with a black sole. I’ve worked there for two years and they have only ever provided me with two tops which, as I work 5 days a week I have to ‘wash one, wear one’ (an updated uniform was introduced last year but although they took note of my size, I never got issued anything new) Others in the company are being provided with trousers but I’ve not been (even though I’ve asked for some) and everyone is expected to buy their own work shoes. So, my question is, if I’m expected to pay for my own trousers and shoes but I’m being paid the minimum wage, is this effectively reducing my wage to below the minimum and if so what (if anything) can/should I do about it?

Yes you are right. They are breaching NMW laws.

Report them and let the DWP sort it

I would say no. Everyone has to buy work clothes. You're not buying the logo tops so just normal trousers and shoes surely?

Anyone who believes they are not being paid the National Minimum Wage can call the Acas Helpline for Workplace Advice , in confidence, free for advice in over 100 languages – on 0300 123 1100.

Is this a thing? In that case I have been conned all my life buying work clothes myself

I posted this elsewhere for traffic and someone sent me this link

www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/national-minimum-wage-manual/nmwm11220

It appears that it is a thing, yes. I won’t be kicking up a fuss over buying my own trousers and shoes but they are actually breaking the NMW rules in expecting us to do so.