Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Sexist Dress Code - WWYD?

40 replies

MamaLazarou · 09/04/2015 15:28

I have been offered a job which suits me perfectly. Lovely people, good salary, great location. The only downside is that the dress code states that women must only wear skirts and dresses - no trousers.

It wouldn't be a problem for me to wear a skirt to work every day (trousers don't look good on me anyway) but the rule strikes me as archaic and I'm worried that it would be indicative of a deeper misogyny within the culture of the organisation.

WWYD?

OP posts:
TywysogesGymraeg · 09/04/2015 15:31

Tell them you have a medical condition that means you can only wear trousers and see what they say.

(Or a religion that means legs must be covered might be easier)

Pootles2010 · 09/04/2015 15:34

You can't do either of those things if you want to be able to wear skirts in future though! If they really seem good people, i'd go for it. You might well be able to change that rule when you've been there a while.

TywysogesGymraeg · 09/04/2015 15:36

Out of interest, what is the job?

I'd ask them why the rule is in place, and whether it's legal, but in a non confrontational way.

DragonWithAGirlTattoo · 09/04/2015 15:36

what kind of job is it?

0x530x610x750x630x79 · 09/04/2015 15:36

good point pootles.
Is it sensible for the job to have a dress code?

tribpot · 09/04/2015 15:37

I think I'd be tempted to say exactly what you have here - the rule strikes me as archaic and I'm worried that it would be indicative of a deeper misogyny within the culture of the organisation. Because it certainly strikes me as indicative of a company with the wrong priorities.

glittertits · 09/04/2015 15:45

Another one who wants to know what the job is.

Original poster
MamaLazarou · 09/04/2015 15:52

An admin job in a school.

OP posts:
mayfridaycomequickly · 09/04/2015 16:07

Is it a Catholic school? I did my work experience in one years ago and was reduced to tears by the headteacher (who was a nun) for turning up in smart trousers!

TywysogesGymraeg · 09/04/2015 16:30

An admin job?? They are being ridiculous. I haven't worn a skirt since I can't remember when, just because I prefer trousers, and they are more practical. Would that mean I wouldn't get the job?

OnIlkleyMoorBahTwat · 09/04/2015 16:43

It would probably be unwise to turn the job down on a what is a very valid principle, but if you take the job it would be interesting to look into the background to the rule, if anyone has ever challenged it or what happens to offenders. Are there any other rules relating to how people present themselves (eg men must be clean shaven, women must wear make up)?

I am surprised that they are allowed to have a rule like this because it would be discriminatory against any muslim women that wish to wear shalwar kameez etc? And if they allowed muslim women to wear trousers, surely they would have to allow all women to wear trousers?

Nolim · 09/04/2015 16:51

What a ridiculous rule.

TywysogesGymraeg · 09/04/2015 16:57

It depends on how much you want the job, but the more I think about it, the more I think I'd make further enquiries before accepting. I'd want to know what would happen if I couldn't comply. And is it a rule for "smartness" or why? If I turned up in a really scruffy old skirt, or a mini skirt up to my arm pits - would either of those be acceptable?

ShadyMary · 09/04/2015 17:06

I agree with trilpot. Say that to them and see what they say.

Are you in the UK? What nationality is the company?

ShadyMary · 09/04/2015 17:09

right sorry, in a school.

That's odd.

Well, I'd take the job. How sexist can a school be? Most of the staff are women. Also, it's not like business. Can you climb the greasy pole in a school

I 'd take the job. I agree it is very strange and outdated. I'd be tempted to leave it a while and then chance a pair of trousers. If anybody says anything, say, was that for real?

prittsticksellotape · 09/04/2015 21:29

equality act 2012 interpretation:

"Where men are required to wear suits, it may be less favourable treatment
to require women to wear skirts, if an equivalent level of smartness can be
achieved by women wearing, for example, a trouser suit. "

Original poster
MamaLazarou · 09/04/2015 22:05

Thanks for all your answers. They also asked me lots of inappropriate questions such as, does your husband work nearby, how many kids have you got, what are your childcare arrangements for school holidays, etc. I do think there may be a fundamental problem with their culture so I am going to turn it down.

OP posts:
Lucked · 09/04/2015 22:10

Make sure you give them feedback on why. I do think those questions are dodgy, I wonder if they asked the same questions to the last man they interviewed?

prittsticksellotape · 09/04/2015 22:12

good decision. I was holding back from writing a massive essay on how something like this can symbolise a hideous culture but thought should maybe hold back in case they were so busy being an amazing school they hadn't been arsed to update their policies but ...even then they shoudlve' been able to update their policies from the 1950s-- thats a lengthy overlook. close shave by philips. PHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
whats for you wont go by you. sexist arses.

Original poster
MamaLazarou · 09/04/2015 22:14

Hahaha, thanks. And yes, I will definitely tell them my reasons when I decline the offer.

OP posts:
prittsticksellotape · 09/04/2015 22:14

Oh it's completely wrong -massive failing on public equality duty, equality act etc etc. Contact EASS if you can be arsed:

EASS

Phone: 0808 800 0082

Website: //www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

Post: FREEPOST Equality Advisory Support Service FPN4431

meandjulio · 09/04/2015 22:15

TBH I am glad you turned it down and I hope you tell them why :)

Branleuse · 09/04/2015 22:17

good for you x

DragonsCanHop · 09/04/2015 22:37

I dont blame you for passing and good for you that you will give feed back.

I would be tempted to accept and turn up in trousers every day, what could they do about it?

prittsticksellotape · 09/04/2015 22:47

or culottes. whatever happened to culottes.

Swipe left for the next trending thread