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Original poster

Can't get a uniform. What do i do?

18 replies

patphelan · 19/07/2018 08:08

I started a new job in May. They ordered the uniform and it arrived yesterday. The problem is it doesn't fit me and its the biggest size they do. I'm a size 20 and 5'9 the uniform only goes up to a size 18 and that is XXXXL in their sizing.

It was humiliating and my boss was not impressed when I told her it didn't fit. I'm not allowed to order a t-shirt in a mans size even though the polo shirts are identical she won't allow it because 'I'm not a man'.

I don't know what to do. Obviously I'll lose weight but it doesn't happen overnight and it could be a few weeks before the uniform fits me because even though its a size down from what I am just now it's very small made. I'm so embarrassed. I didn't think a size 20 was collosal but the way my employers are going on it must be. I already stick out like a sore thumb because the rest of the team are slim and well presented when I'm fat, in an asda polo shirt and leggings. I need to go in today and I don't know what will be said.

Am I reasonable enough to request a man sized shirt?

OP posts:
Katescurios · 19/07/2018 08:10

They need to provide you a uniform that fits, if that means a mens shirt then that's what they should provide.

Making you feel bad for your weight is unacceptable!

MIdgebabe · 19/07/2018 08:13

So there s a uniform that would fit ( are you sure?) but supervisor won't let you have it because of your sex?

Brazen it out or suggest that is sex based discrimination to only provide larger uniforms for the men or tell her you are a man and it's transphobic to suggest otherwise.

Good luck with the job and the weight loss.

Notabee · 19/07/2018 08:15

Agree that if they want you to wear their uniform then they need to provide one that fits.
This is on them.
I suggest you go in something suitable and ask them what their solution is.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 19/07/2018 08:15

I don’t think she can forbid you from having a man’s shirt because you’re “not a man”. I would have thought that in the current climate, that’s a very dangerous route to take. Who is she to dictate what you identify as?

Pass the problem back to her: explain that you need a uniform that fits and the one they have provided doesn’t. There are three possible solutions: (a) you wear your own top and not a uniform one; (b) you wear a man’s uniform polo shirt which fits; (c) you turn up to work in just your bra. Ask her which one she would prefer.

ArcheryAnnie · 19/07/2018 08:17

Yes, of course you are being reasonable to ask for a shirt that fits. It's ridiculous that they label this a "man's shirt", but if they have a uniform shirt that fits you, that's what they should offer you.

If they are offering men of a certain size a uniform, and not allowing women of that same size that same uniform, then that looks like indirect discrimination under the Equalities Act to me, too.

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and bandying about mentions of the law in a new job may get you sacked.)

Bluntness100 · 19/07/2018 08:23

This isn't your problem. If they wish you to wear a uniform they need to provide one that fits. If anything is said, simply say, I'm happy to wear a uniform, please provide one that fits and leave it there.

ch0c0milkrox · 19/07/2018 08:34

How ridiculous they won't let you have a mans top! I'm size 10 my whole uniform is men's polo shirt and cargo trousers!

Ho awful for you. They shouldn't be making you feel this way

flowery · 19/07/2018 09:49

"I don't know what to do."

Well what is your boss suggesting you do? Whether you lose weight is entirely a matter for you, and you shouldn't do it just because of this.

Ultimately, if they want you to wear their uniform, they need to provide one that fits. They have an option for doing this, either they take that option or you continue wearing your own clothes, which presumably is what you've been doing until now.

Original poster
patphelan · 19/07/2018 10:35

My boss hasn't given me a solution, she just stared at me in silence when I asked what I was supposed to wear to work. She's very jekyll and Hyde, I am going to try and get her when she's in a good mood and see if it makes a difference and I'll mention the discrimination and see what her response is. I don't want to be too firm about it because I'm on a 12 week probation and may not get a contract. She absolutely refused to let me order a man's one when I asked yesterday saying they were for male employees only. Another senior manager heard this and didn't say a word.

OP posts:
flowery · 19/07/2018 10:45

" I am going to try and get her when she's in a good mood and see if it makes a difference and I'll mention the discrimination and see what her response is. "

I'm not sure I'd do that. If you accuse her of discrimination I imagine her good mood will evaporate pretty fast. I think it's a little tenuous to say that not letting a woman wear a man's shirt is discriminatory. It's not very logical of her, but there's no reason to think she'd allow the men to wear a women's shirt, is there?

When she's in a better mood, ask to discuss the possible solutions with her, from the point of view of resolving the problem.

daisychain01 · 19/07/2018 20:59

Although it technical isn't discrimination, it's very petty-minded not to allow you to have access to the men's uniform if the sizing is more suited to your physique.

I wouldn't confront your manager with the discrimination comment. Do you get an inclin that she doesn't want you in the role and is using this to be unpleasant to you to alienate you? If you think this is so, I would ask her for general feedback about your performance since you started your role as you want to ensure you're 'hitting the mark' in line with your probation.

It could get her to open up and give you some clues as I somehow feel there's something else going on ...

Devilishpyjamas · 21/07/2018 07:32

God some people shouldn’t be managers.

donquixotedelamancha · 21/07/2018 08:40

DW's work have got an awful new uniform for the women (think 70's air hostess), so she told her area manager she now identifies as a man and will have the male uniform please.

I'm so proud.

donquixotedelamancha · 21/07/2018 08:41

Go on OP, identify as a man :-)

ICouldBeSomebodyYouKnow · 24/07/2018 23:13

Our work orders polo shirts for staff. Men's and women's are shaped differently: men's are longer and go up to bigger sizes. Nobody cares which 'type' you are wearing.

What a daft thing for your manager to waste her and your time on!

JuniperBeer · 24/07/2018 23:15

Can you ask someone at head office? Your area manager? Explain to HR?

molifly · 24/07/2018 23:25

Op I hope you're ok, don't let anyone make you feel humiliated for who oh are.

387I2 · 25/07/2018 19:50

You can't be that terribly overweight if you're 5'9 and size 20.

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