Is it common and/or legal to have a strict dress code for certain jobs?

thejuggler

My other half has had an interview for a sales position in a concession in a large department store and part of the briefing included that they expected their staff to follow a dress code policy.
The requirement is to wear a black dress with the hemline above the knee. They also said they expected staff to be barelegged during the summer months and sheer hosiery is required during the rest of the year.
I guess they want their sales staff to look the same. My partner is not phased by this but I was surprised by it.

Mrs OBumble

Absolutely common, and legal provided it's not a proxy for discrimination along the lines of the big nine. Think about airline cabin crew, for instance. Even banking staff.

(Mmm, I wonder if there's a personal services exemption that applies for gender and cosmetics sales staff - wouldn't surprise me if there is, many women wouldn't take kindly to have makeup applied by a man.)

allthedoyles

Some office contracts state that denim is not permitted

qt3.14

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

(Mmm, I wonder if there's a personal services exemption that applies for gender and cosmetics sales staff - wouldn't surprise me if there is, many women wouldn't take kindly to have makeup applied by a man.)

Would it be necessary to even have an exemption? Surely part of the skills required would be in applying makeup so that'd be the basis on not hiring. A tiny minority of men wear makeup on a regular basis so just wouldn't have the skills required.

MouseTail

Fairly normal in large retail. She will be able to claim a flat rate €121 against her tax.

Greenmachine

MouseTail wrote: »

Fairly normal in large retail. She will be able to claim a flat rate €121 against her tax.

Who is this directed at, and what does it mean? I am a little puzzled.

MouseTail

Greenmachine wrote: »

Who is this directed at, and what does it mean? I am a little puzzled.

What's puzzling? I was answering the OP.

Greenmachine

MouseTail wrote: »

What's puzzling? I was answering the OP.

Op never asked about a clothing allowance and I don't think anyone else mentioned one. I have never heard of such a thing and have bought clothing specifically for a retail job.

MouseTail

It is a tax allowance, you claim it from Revenue if you work in retail.

Greenmachine

MouseTail wrote: »

It is a tax allowance, you claim it from Revenue if you work in retail.

Employer told me I had to buy black slacks for the job. It was only 3 months part-time so did not earn enough to pay tax but nice to know it is there in case I work in retail again.

thejuggler

Thanks to all who replied. Seems like its a fairly common thing. Was not aware of the tax allowance - good to know.