Too fat for my uniform

DCFC79

yksi said:

We're picking this apart when it might be as simple as the OP saying, hey, I'm sorry but the uniform doesn't fit me. If they have been a valuable employee up until now I see no reason why an employer would make this the hill they die on.

As an aside I have had to deny someone a job due to their size but I was able to explain, gently, that unfortunately due to the enclosed spaces that they would not be able to fulfil the job requirements just yet, and that we could have another conversation later on if things changed. This was while working for a government agency and guided by a manager, so you can bet we got the conversation cleared before we told her she was unsuccessful.

Theres 2 options, either the OP asks for something bigger or they follow the advice posted by Katrina.

dinglebert

HOWEVER - there is one interesting case of regulated discrimination - as recent as 2017 (and it may still be the case), it was impossible for a male/man to train and become a Mammographer. No other reason, you are a man, you can't do this, but it was covered by regulations that I cant be bothered to find/link but just use Google if you are interested.

I knew there was a reason why I wasn't getting an interview.

Silvertabby

dinglebert said:

HOWEVER - there is one interesting case of regulated discrimination - as recent as 2017 (and it may still be the case), it was impossible for a male/man to train and become a Mammographer. No other reason, you are a man, you can't do this, but it was covered by regulations that I cant be bothered to find/link but just use Google if you are interested.

I knew there was a reason why I wasn't getting an interview.

Some years ago, I did a course that included an element of employment law.  One example was a lingerie shop who advertised for a bra fitter, only women applicants accepted.  This was legal at the time (still is?) but a man made a fuss about 'discrimination'. 

 He didn't win - probably because when asked why he wanted this job, he replied 'because I love tits'.  

Masomnia

Silvertabby said:

dinglebert said:

HOWEVER - there is one interesting case of regulated discrimination - as recent as 2017 (and it may still be the case), it was impossible for a male/man to train and become a Mammographer. No other reason, you are a man, you can't do this, but it was covered by regulations that I cant be bothered to find/link but just use Google if you are interested.

I knew there was a reason why I wasn't getting an interview.

Some years ago, I did a course that included an element of employment law.  One example was a lingerie shop who advertised for a bra fitter, only women applicants accepted.  This was legal at the time (still is?) but a man made a fuss about 'discrimination'. 

 He didn't win - probably because when asked why he wanted this job, he replied 'because I love tits'.  

You can justify that sort of discrimination if you can show it's a 'proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim', and if it's a job like bra fitting that involves intimate contact with someone else you can show it's a legitimate aim to just want women for that role, as female customers will usually only want a woman doing it; same with mammography. Where the law would stand now with a trans woman would be interesting.

Back to the OP I think you just need to ask nicely for a larger size uniform and don't be embarrassed about it. Obesity can count as a disability under the Equality Act, depending on the circumstances, but I wouldn't go in guns blazing with that.

Silvertabby

Masomnia said:

Silvertabby said:

dinglebert said:

HOWEVER - there is one interesting case of regulated discrimination - as recent as 2017 (and it may still be the case), it was impossible for a male/man to train and become a Mammographer. No other reason, you are a man, you can't do this, but it was covered by regulations that I cant be bothered to find/link but just use Google if you are interested.

I knew there was a reason why I wasn't getting an interview.

Some years ago, I did a course that included an element of employment law.  One example was a lingerie shop who advertised for a bra fitter, only women applicants accepted.  This was legal at the time (still is?) but a man made a fuss about 'discrimination'. 

 He didn't win - probably because when asked why he wanted this job, he replied 'because I love tits'.  

You can justify that sort of discrimination if you can show it's a 'proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim', and if it's a job like bra fitting that involves intimate contact with someone else you can show it's a legitimate aim to just want women for that role, as female customers will usually only want a woman doing it; same with mammography. Where the law would stand now with a trans woman would be interesting.

Back to the OP I think you just need to ask nicely for a larger size uniform and don't be embarrassed about it. Obesity can count as a disability under the Equality Act, depending on the circumstances, but I wouldn't go in guns blazing with that.

Just out of interest, I had a quick google.  Couldn't find anything re male bra fitters, and the issue of male mammogram operators doesn't seem to have moved on since 2017.

Personally, it probably wouldn't bother me - a nurse is a nurse - but I expect that a lot of ladies wouldn't be comfortable.  However, I suspect that the main issue would be staffing levels.  A male Dr or nurse has to have a female chaperone in attendance when carrying out intimate examinations (this being for his protection as well as the woman's) so 2 nurses would be required for each exam, not just one.

wilfred30

IMO, this thread is a big fuss about nothing.  

The solution is blindingly obvious.  She's too fat for the uniform provided so just ask for a bigger one.  It's not rocket science   

unforeseen

A male Dr or nurse has to have a female chaperone in attendance when carrying out intimate examinations (this being for his protection as well as the woman's) so 2 nurses would be required for each exam, not just one.

Incorrect. For any intimate examination the patient must be given the option of having a chaperone regardless of the sexes of the patient and healthcare professional. 

My female GP has asked me before whether I want a chaperone. 
My (male) urology consultant asks me every time as well. (I'm male) 
The nurse giving me my intravesical treatment has now stopped asking me because I always say No. Let's face it, when somebody is putting a catheter in you then anything sexual is the last thing on your mind. My dignity got left behind long ago. Walk in, drop your trousers and pants and just get on the bed while chatting to the nurse. 


I think the difference is that most male patients don't care whereas women tend to be the opposite

Silvertabby

unforeseen said:

A male Dr or nurse has to have a female chaperone in attendance when carrying out intimate examinations (this being for his protection as well as the woman's) so 2 nurses would be required for each exam, not just one.

Incorrect. For any intimate examination the patient must be given the option of having a chaperone regardless of the sexes of the patient and healthcare professional. 

My female GP has asked me before whether I want a chaperone. 
My (male) urology consultant asks me every time as well. (I'm male) 
The nurse giving me my intravesical treatment has now stopped asking me because I always say No. Let's face it, when somebody is putting a catheter in you then anything sexual is the last thing on your mind. My dignity got left behind long ago. Walk in, drop your trousers and pants and just get on the bed while chatting to the nurse. 


I think the difference is that most male patients don't care whereas women tend to be the opposite

I stand corrected.  But even if just 50% of women having mammograms request a chaperone, that would still put a strain on the manning (oops - personning!) levels of the mammogram service.

ToxicWomble

It’s interesting as Mammography because it’s a specific registration has this restriction and yes - the patient is of course entitled to request a female operator.
Interestingly however; ultrasound/gynae doesn’t come under the same umbrella and therefore males/men aren’t prevented from undertaking this work/profession 

Savvy_Sue

Silvertabby said:

Some years ago, I did a course that included an element of employment law.  One example was a lingerie shop who advertised for a bra fitter, only women applicants accepted.  This was legal at the time (still is?) but a man made a fuss about 'discrimination'. 

 He didn't win - probably because when asked why he wanted this job, he replied 'because I love tits'.  

I'm not sure I'd mind a man doing bra fittings, as long as he behaved professionally (which that comment isn't!). I was slightly disconcerted to be greeted by name at a bra fitting by a young lady who clearly knew me - and I had no clue at all who she was! Turned out she'd done a student placement where I work a couple of years previously.