Are work uniform adjustments something I can ask for under the disability act?
Posted by cherryonthedot@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hey all, I’ve worked at a chain hotel for a couple years, the uniform consists of a button up shirt, black trousers and an apron.
For context I’m diagnosed autistic and ADHD but it’s my first year on medication (lisdexamfetamine) and due to this being a stimulant medication it increases my blood pressure and I overheat very quickly very easily, and even before this had issues with regulating my body temp. There’s no concern medically with my doctor, however, the shirts we are required to wear as part of our uniform are light in colour and also aren’t the best quality therefore it takes about 3 minutes for me to get major sweat patches in them, especially on extremely busy morning service or bar shifts and it’s just overall really embarrassing, and feels awful triggering my sensory issues when my shirts cling to me, I’ve got bigger shirts but it seems to be a weird gap where my size is okay but the next size up is giant. It’s also worth noting that getting as hot as I do in the shirts genuinely makes me lightheaded, whereas in breathable clothing I’m fine, and I work long shifts, often double splits, this weekend I’m doing an (open/close/open/close)
My question is, can I ask to wear a plain black shirt or tee, or a polo shirt or some other variety of different clothing item for this purpose as a reasonable adjustment for my disability? Do I need to get a doctors note explaining it? They can be sticklers about uniform but in the past during heatwaves they’ve allowed everyone to wear black shirts and tees, and to be honest it feels a lot like I’m always in a heatwave working there, the temp is also always set to a higher setting as the people standing on reception get chilly and we all get too hot running around.
dbxp@reddit
Yes but while asking it's best to come with ideas so make sure you present what you've said here. Whilst you don't officially need a doctor's note any supporting docs are useful and will make any HR process work quicker.
another_awkward_brit@reddit
Yes, absolutely. Even PPE should have suitable different options as clothing isn't a "one size fits all" item.
OldGuto@reddit
You might want to ask on r/LegalAdviceUK r/HumanResourcesUK
peppermint_aero@reddit
It's worth asking! They may have this kind of request before - as an example, people going through menopause can also overheat very easily.
wetpigeon@reddit
I know someone who works in a hot environment who got reasonable adjustments because of ADHD med side effects so they can have short cool down breaks & wear slightly different uniform etc so yes it can happen, they went the Occupational Health route to get it in writing
Chelz91@reddit
When I worked in retail I requested an adjustment similar to this because of allergies to the ink in the screen printed logo on the front and back of the shirt we had to wear. I was able to wear a plain t-shirt instead and I had a hoodie that I would wear optionally over it with the shop logo that didn’t irritate my skin that I’d wear over the T-shirt in colder months
oscarx-ray@reddit
We make reasonable adjustments with regards to uniform at my work. Ask and they should assist.
GlossyReign@reddit
you can definitely ask for that as a reasonable adjustment and it sounds fully justified tbh 👍 I’d just explain it like you did here and maybe get a note if they start being awkward but they should work with you on it
Icy_Bit_403@reddit
I'd recommend being part of a union as they would make these conversations much easier and be able to help you. I'm dubious if management would consider it a reasonable adjustment.
Geezer-McGeezer@reddit
Might be able to claim the tax back though
nutrition_nomad_@reddit
yes, you can usually ask for a reasonable adjustment like a more breathable or darker shirt, since it directly affects your comfort and ability to work, and it sounds like a small change that doesn’t impact the job much. a doctor’s note can help support your request, especially if your workplace is strict about uniforms
Ok_Pomelo_3460@reddit
yeah you can ask, and this is exactly a reasonable adjustments.
keep it straightforward and practical, like you’re trying to do your job properly, not avoid the uniform
cherryonthedot@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I’ll speak to my manager when I go in this morning, he’s usually quite good about things
Ok_Pomelo_3460@reddit
goodluck
rachmaddist@reddit
Sounds like a very reasonable adjustment to me, I’ve made similar uniform adjustments for staff because of sensory issues, pregnancy, menopause etc so it’s not an uncommon request, and my workplace is also strict on uniform but it’s never been an issue to make the adjustment when it’s needed.
dayus9@reddit
You can ask for anything.
wherewalterwalks@reddit
This is absolutely a reasonable adjustment, have a chat with your manager to explain like you have above (def mention the light headedness) and offer them a few options of alternative outfits you could wear. You don’t necessarily NEED a doctors note but it might help, so you could either bring one along to your chat or offer to get one as part of it.
If they say no (which I only see happening if they’ve not had adequate training on the equalities act) ask for a referral to occupational health or HR.
_FirstOfHerName_@reddit
This is entirely correct. I just wanted to add that your council might have an employer engagement or EDI role linked with disability that could support the request or offer training to your employer too.
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