Men can wear sandals to the office as well

Local law firm, SAS Daniels is warning North West bosses to ensure that employees remain cool and don’t get too hot headed as the temperatures rise today.

The law firm is advising that the region’s bosses relax office attire wear during this week’s heatwave and to ensure that they treat men and women’s dress codes equally. It has already had to advise a client today that it’s illegal to allow women to wear summer dresses, smart shorts and sandals in the office, while requiring male employees to maintain a suit and tie dress code.

Jonathan Whittaker, senior partner at SAS Daniels, comments “During weather extremes bosses must try and ensure that staff are able to work as comfortably as possible. If Birkenstocks are ok for women then they’re ok for men.”

Jonathan also warns bosses to monitor the office temperatures to prevent staff getting hot under the collar. While there is no legal requirement to keep offices below a certain temperature, the Health & Safety Executive has previously recommended that offices should be kept below 30 degrees.

Jonathan Whittaker adds, “Many NW businesses occupy lovely heritage and older business premises but that means many are unlikely to have air conditioning. They’re also likely to be less well ventilated meaning that while outside temperatures are set to soar today to over 30 degrees, internal temperatures are likely to be much higher.

Employers need to take steps to keep employees cool. We’d definitely recommend taking regular breaks outside but in the shade, as well as providing free water (and even ice cream) to keep colleagues well hydrated.”

SAS Daniels has written a blog that details it’s advice to employers in more detail. You can view it here: http://www.sasdaniels.co.uk/2015/06/30/summer-office-dress-down-what-could-go-wrong/