New job - uniform dilemma (and embarrassment)

SnowyOwl_2

Hi all

I've recently resigned from a job due to stress/depression which was made worse by that job. Thankfully I have been offered a new job - much less stressful than the original one and which I am very pleased to accept as it will be so good for me in the longer term.

However I have a v.embarrassing problem. During the couple of years I have been unwell my weight has gone up and up. My new employers have given me my uniform, but it doesn't fit. It was the biggest size they have but it's simply too small. I am so ashamed. Can they withdraw their job offer? Do I have to now retract my acceptance and turn the job down?

If I can't now take up this new employment am I therefore making myself voluntarily unemployed? Going back to the original job isn't an option, it made me ill and it was considered best all round that I leave.

What should I do now? And please don't tell me to diet- I know I have to lose weight that is obvious. I need to know what to do NOW!! There is no diet in the world that will make a person drop two or three dress sizes in a single week.

Ruby_Pudding

I can't offer any advice but I just wanted you give you a huge one of these ((((((((SnowyOwl))))))))

Edinburghlass_2

what kind of uniform is it, can you make any adjustments to it?

LearningToSave.

hiya hun,
well as you know i used to be a checkout superviser at tesco before i had my children.
we came across the exact problem you have described a few times.
its soooooooooooooooooo unlikely they'll withdraw the job offer just over something as silly as uniform,they just wouldnt and if they did you'd have a very strong case for discrimination.
what we used to do was ask people to wear a white shirt or t'shirt with plain black trousers......other staff that had just been taken on used to wear this anyway whilst waiting for uniform so you wouldnt look totall out of place,people would just think you were new.
another solution one woman used was to try the maternity wear!! she tried on(at her request) the largest size in the maternity uniform and it fitted so she used that.

it wont be nice for you....but go and visit the personel department and explain.they'll come up with a solution for you.

Bagpuss1973

Hi Snowyowl,

Sorry to hear about your dilemma. I know you feel embarrassed but just give the manager/supervisor a ring. You said it's the largest one they have got, do you mean in stock or could they order you a larger size? If not, could you get the design copied in a larger size?

Goodluck

Bagpussx;)

SnowyOwl_2

Edinburghlass wrote:

what kind of uniform is it, can you make any adjustments to it?

It's a pair of trousers, and two blouses - all fixed buttons, no stretch etc etc. Oh I could die of embarrassment...

Edinburghlass_2

blouses might be more difficult depending on the pattern, design etc but do you have a similar pair of trousers?

SnowyOwl_2

Edinburghlass wrote:

blouses might be more difficult depending on the pattern, design etc but do you have a similar pair of trousers?

lol E'Lass!! Yes, I have similar trousers, though they are from my slim days and are a normal size. So even less hope of getting those over my butt... But I get your point, I could go shopping for new trousers as close as possible in colour/fabric. Thanks, hadn't thought of that!

I suppose I could merge the two blouses somehow...

LTS - thank you for the benefit of your experience. I know, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and speak to someone in the HR dept - just wish that it was a woman who dealt with me rather than a bloke.

Bagpuss - I was in a group of new starters, and they asked us for our uniform details, and I gave them my correct size. However their uniform room was stocked ceiling to floor with all sizes, and my size didn't exist. They therefore gave me the biggest one, even though quite plainly it wasn't the size I asked for and quite obviously was going to be unsuitable. To be fair though, I am glad they didn't single me out and not give me a uniform or call me to one side etc etc in front of the rest of the people.

Edinburghlass_2

SnowyOwl wrote:

lol E'Lass!! Yes, I have similar trousers, though they are from my slim days and are a normal size. So even less hope of getting those over my butt... But I get your point, I could go shopping for new trousers as close as possible in colour/fabric. Thanks, hadn't thought of that!

I suppose I could merge the two blouses somehow...

LTS - thank you for the benefit of your experience. I know, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and speak to someone in the HR dept - just wish that it was a woman who dealt with me rather than a bloke.

Bagpuss - I was in a group of new starters, and they asked us for our uniform details, and I gave them my correct size. However their uniform room was stocked ceiling to floor with all sizes, and my size didn't exist. They therefore gave me the biggest one, even though quite plainly it wasn't the size I asked for and quite obviously was going to be unsuitable. To be fair though, I am glad they didn't single me out and not give me a uniform or call me to one side etc etc in front of the rest of the people.

Bound to be a female though in HR that you can talk to, even just try asking the person that answers the phone rather than asking for the person you specifically dealt with. Make out they made a mistake and gave you the wrong size and see what they say.

Edinburghlass_2

and hey, change your location to New Job, the only way is up :j

or even, New Job, no time to fly-lady

Astaroth

I am sure that in this day and age a company would be too concerned to make an issue over someones size if it isnt for a health and safety issue on the risk of being accused of discrimination.

Your first port of call needs to be to speak to their HR department. Unless it is a very small company I would be surprised if no one in HR has come across a similiar problem in the past. It may be that they have larger uniforms available to them but simply didnt have any instock at the time. If they are unable to provide a uniform then obviously you can suggest buying a similar uniform for yourself and see what they say.