Dress codes – equal but different

For common sense reasons dress codes cannot always be applied in exactly the same way to men and women. A recent case reminds employers how the courts draw the line between acceptable differences of treatment and those that are discriminatory.

The case involved a claim brought against the Metropolitan Police by Mr Dansie, who commenced training as a police constable at the Hendon Training Centre in March 2008. Before the training started he asked whether his hair length would be acceptable and was told that it would comply with the Force's new Dress Code Policy. That Policy stated: 'The standard of dress should be smart, fi t for the purpose and portray a favourable impression of the service'.