There is a cashier position in a local supermarket, but they've said that for the moment they have no male uniforms and that I should try again in the future! The uniform is in my opinion fairly unisex; trousers as opposed to a skirt, plain blouse (which looks like a shirt) and a cardigan. I have no problem wearing this uniform and need the job. I'm fairly slight of build, so don't think sizing should be a problem. How do I stand on this?
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7Any useful answer would depend on your location. – Patricia Shanahan Oct 09 '15 at 22:44
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1Thought this was a duplicate of How can I tell my boss the required uniform makes me personally uncomfortable? however on closer reading seems to be the exact opposite take. – Myles Oct 10 '15 at 00:36
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Depends what country you're in. Illegal in the UK/EU. – A E Oct 10 '15 at 08:15
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Voted to close: this is not a clear-cut case and you'd be better served with professional legal advice or, failing that, the Law SE. – Lilienthal Oct 13 '15 at 16:58
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This is a borderline legal issue. In the US, you can not be turned down for a job based on your sex. They are turning you down because you are a male. Not having a male uniform is their issue, not yours. In my opinion, that sounds like sex discrimination.
You should consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction, if you feel the position is worth fighting for. However, lawyers/courts do cost money and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome. And do you really want to work at a place you took to court?
Keltari
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2A cheaper solution is if you have evidence that this is the case a trade union would be interested – Ed Heal Oct 10 '15 at 06:11
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Difficult legal question. As described, it's not the gender that's the problem, but the lack of uniforms. No idea what a judge or a jury would think about it. Now if the problem is that they have never designed a male version of that uniform and will for the foreseeable future not be able to supply one, that would a strong argument against them. – gnasher729 Oct 10 '15 at 21:40
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2@gnasher729 It is a gender issue. They claim they are not able to hire a male. That is a gender issue. But as noted above, this is a case for lawyers. – yo' Oct 12 '15 at 14:22