DWP Dress Code

LadyMissA

ohreally wrote: »

They're usually called customers.

Oh haha no they were working there! Maybe a dress down day?

persa

whitelabel wrote: »

I can only comment on 12 years worth of work experience on a range from retail to corporate financial companies as a new starter myself and a manager who has recruited 100+ people over that time, but ive either been told or given/(had a team do this) verbally or received paper information (esp in office based roles) over dress code, what to bring (ie passport for proof of eligibility to work in uk and any other documentation theyve requested.) as its a common question.
i assumed that within most large organisations dwp inc this would be the norm.

If it hasnt come up in interview ive asked it myself when discussing the culture of an organisation

I've never been told what to wear beforehand, but in one role for a large organisation, all new starters were rounded up and given an hour's lecture on what was acceptable and what wasn't acceptable to wear.

I still want that hour of my life back... :rotfl:

heathertheblether

Hi again!

I have had paperwork through advising me of pension, hours, what documents to take with me on the first day etc. etc., but no mention of dress code, which is why I asked! I wouldn't dream of wearing jeans to work under ANY circumstances (other than a charity "wear your jeans to work" fundraiser). I have never seen anyone in my local Jobcentre wearing jeans or leggings......they are all very smartly turned out. When I went for my interview, all the men were in suits or smart trousers and sports jackets and the women were in trouser/skirt suits or similar. Having been a student, my wardrobe is rather meagre so can't run to a suit at the moment, but well matched separates can look smart too, in my opinion! Thank you all for your comments though - much appreciated!

whitelabel

its seems there was an equality law case over dwp dress codes from 2003/4 over there were no specific guidelines for females for most deptartments but men regardless of role had to wear a tie and full business suit. the employee won his case, but it was later over turned it seems 9mm no influence there then governement)
not sure of which department youre working in but all i could find was this

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/jobcentre-plus-dress-standard.pdf

Dress standard (revised in 2005)
1.5. All employees should dress in a professional and business like way in keeping
with the high standards that we expect to provide for our customers and the respect
we have for each other. Footwear should be appropriate to the business
environment.
1.6. Within these simple rules, employees are free to decide what clothes to wear.
However, they should not wear obviously inappropriate dress such as:
• denim clothing;
• lycra leggings;
• shorts;
• cropped tops;
• clothing that displays inappropriate logos;
• trainers; and
• baseball caps.
1.7. This list is not exhaustive. If you are wearing an item of clothing that a
manager believes does not conform to the dress standard, they will discuss this with
the employee and if there is no legitimate reason the individual will be asked not to
wear it again.

hth

why they dont give that, particularly given the fact they were taken to court, in a concise summary surprises me. btu then again this is a government department adn the dwp has many sad tales here in the benefits section,

good luck with the job and i hope you enjoy it and are one of the good ones (though they tend to leave, frustrated at the constraints)

LisaB85

heathertheblether wrote: »

Hi all,

Just been given my start date for DWP job. Is there a dress code? Would black trousers and a smart blouse be OK?

Blimey how did you get a job with them they let loads of us go here. Congratulations anyway.

Smart trousers/skirt (not denim) and most tops are ok as long as they aren't low cut or strappy tops.

Wee_Pilsbury

LadyMissA wrote: »

I have seen people in jeans in the job centre

Probably was a special dress down day - comes with a cash collection for a nominated charity.

LadyMissA

Wee_Pilsbury wrote: »

Probably was a special dress down day - comes with a cash collection for a nominated charity.

no they are in jeans a lot

anmarj

heathertheblether wrote: »

Hi again!

I have had paperwork through advising me of pension, hours, what documents to take with me on the first day etc. etc., but no mention of dress code, which is why I asked! I wouldn't dream of wearing jeans to work under ANY circumstances (other than a charity "wear your jeans to work" fundraiser). I have never seen anyone in my local Jobcentre wearing jeans or leggings......they are all very smartly turned out. When I went for my interview, all the men were in suits or smart trousers and sports jackets and the women were in trouser/skirt suits or similar. Having been a student, my wardrobe is rather meagre so can't run to a suit at the moment, but well matched separates can look smart too, in my opinion! Thank you all for your comments though - much appreciated!

know how you feel, I came from retail to the DWP and did not have much of a wardrobe either!!! it felt strange having to decide what to wear every morning and not put on a uniform!:rotfl:;)

anmarj

LadyMissA wrote: »

no they are in jeans a lot

There is a general policy but some of the JC's might operate differnently. I know when I started at the Pension Centre, jeans were worn but they then changed the local policy to smart wear.

heathertheblether

LisaB85 wrote: »

Blimey how did you get a job with them they let loads of us go here. Congratulations anyway.

Smart trousers/skirt (not denim) and most tops are ok as long as they aren't low cut or strappy tops.

I HAVE NO IDEA how I managed to get the job - interview was a fiasco (on my part - mind went totally blank through nerves ) also it was a BOILING hot day and the only smart top I had at the time was a knitted jumper........my make up started to melt before I left the house :eek:

Thankfully, it is now jumper weather :rotfl: