OUR head wants to regulate the way in which teachers dress. Can she do this?
Any employer has the right to set reasonable rules for the presentation of employees, as any customer of banks or airlines must be aware. A head, acting on behalf of the governing body, has the right to set rules for teachers and other staff.
These may deal with general smartness of appearance but rules must not discriminate in respectof gender, race or religion and should apply equally to all staff.
Ideally, rules should be established in consultation with staff. Once established, persistent disregard for them could be treated as a disciplinary matter. Any individual wishing to challenge the rules should have recourse to the grievance procedure.
Questions should be sent to Helpline, The TES, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX