Not replacing uniforms

hoo

Hi guys,

Just sounding this one out with you knowledgeable folk.....

I work for a LA company who have transferred it's Adult care over to it's commercial side of the business.

Obviously they are looking to make savings as any business would to increase their profit but I'm a bit miffed.

All the carers before the transfer happened were given up to 3 tunics or dresses per year as the old ones became too small, tatty etc. They supplied their own trousers, shoes etc.

Part of their tasks are obviously personal care but also snack prep and some domestic tasks- so using cleaning products bleach etc.

As a manager I received a memo explaining that they are taking a less formal approach in the care homes. About two months ago they said the staff had the option to wear their own clothing or to wear a logo'd polo shirt as the tunics/ dresses were costing too much. The staff were ok with this so we implemented it and it went about 50% either way for the staff (but also the residents they care for expressed the same sort of view).
At yesterday's locality managers meeting they backtracked on that decision and are withdrawing the uniforms completely and expecting staff to wear their own clothing. They have put in guidelines as to what is acceptable for them to wear.
However futher through the email it also states that due to the nature of the job (personal care tasks etc) and due to infection control staff will be expected to wash their clothing at their own home on 60c or higher as this is going to be extra cost to them.
We do supply PPE (gloves aprons, shoe covers etc).
I have staff members who understandably are not happy about this, as it will also affect their tax allowence.

We have all discussed it at the various managers meetings and feel this isn't completely fair in lots of ways...

Would like to hear your views and if anyone knows if they can actually do this??



:T:T:T

DVardysShadow

I take it that the uniforms have been cleaned by the company up to present? I would say that they are trying to have their cake and eat it

• If employees provide clothing, then they provide what they want and clean it to a standard appropriate to the clothes
• If the employer specifies cleaning processes, then they provide clothes appropriate to the cleaning process.

hoo

DVardysShadow wrote: »

I take it that the uniforms have been cleaned by the company up to present? I would say that they are trying to have their cake and eat it

• If employees provide clothing, then they provide what they want and clean it to a standard appropriate to the clothes
• If the employer specifies cleaning processes, then they provide clothes appropriate to the cleaning process.

Hi DVS
no the uniforms have been washed by the individual.