Mini-skirts banned by council
WOMEN wearing mini-skirts could be sent home from work, a council has warned staff.
Southampton City Council has banned its female workers from showing off their legs to avoid shocking the public.
A memo sent to 400 staff insists they dress in “appropriate” clothing including trousers, informal dresses or skirts of “reasonable” length – but “not mini-skirts”. The memo was sent to social workers, youth workers, educational welfare officers and others in children’s services.
It said: “Please try to dress smartly, in line with other professionals you come across in your work, and in a way that shows respect to children and families.”
One council worker, who did not want to be named, said: “Are they going to come around with a tape measure?”
Mike Tucker, of the Unison union, said: “If anyone is disciplined we are more than happy to defend them.”
A council spokesman said: “We do not have a rigid dress code and will not be going around with a tape measure. It is important staff in customer-facing roles look professional.”