Protective clothing

Article 23

Suitable protective clothing shall be supplied to an employee where working conditions make it desirable.

Note: The following letter was sent to all employing authorities by the Official Side Secretary on the 29 January 1985:

'At a recent meeting of Whitley Council the question of the quality of protective clothing provided for manual workers was raised by the Trade Union Side.

Article 23 of the Memorandum of Agreement provides that "suitable protective clothing shall be supplied to an employee where working conditions make it desirable".

The suitability and desirability of protective clothing are primarily matters for management, but the Trade Union Side drew attention to a number of instances where, in the opinion of employees, the protective clothing issued either fell below standard so far as durability was concerned or led to problems in use such as excessive condensation on the inside of waterproof garments.

Whilst it is appreciated that there may always be problems both as regards the cost and availability of ideal protective clothing I have been asked to write to all employing authorities to say that the Council looks to them to consider very carefully the choice of such clothing and to advise that representatives of those employees who would be called upon to wear the clothing should be consulted in appropriate cases.'

Last Updated - February 2016