Staff Uniforms

Mutant Lemming said:

HI-VI's are to make staff stand out. There was a general instruction for all operational staff to wear them at one point. We pointed out that while changing ends at busy locations like Baker Street passengers would constantly come up and ask questions delaying a driver's progress to the 'front' cab and causing delay to the service.

Click to expand...

All the more reason for drivers to be uniform-less.

The Isle Of Man Railways Uniform is very smart. A simple sky blue shirt with dark navy trousers. You can then add a tie, jumper, tank top, rain jacket, fleece or body warmer depending on the conditions or your own taste.

However, on the IMR, drivers wear a pull over fleece or boiler suits as they can get quite dirty.

Ever so slightly off-topic but as a frontline member of station staff, one thing I can't stand is the sizing of the trousers my TOC issues. They're so BIG and baggy. It looks ugly, scruffy and borderline unprofessional.

Bromley boy said:

All the more reason for drivers to be uniform-less.

Click to expand...

I agree it’s best to have something which doesn’t stand out, just I really dislike polo shirts - but accept that’s just my personal taste and fully understand others like them...

Where I am we have a “local” uniform, which is very much smarter than the corporate issue, without being anything more than what standard attire would have been a decade or two ago. It’s very common to get people remarking how smart it looks, despite being basically something pretty much off-the-shelf from a back-street clothing company. So much for needing fashion designers!

Needless to say we’ve been through a couple of phases where certain office types have complained about the local uniform, and in particular the wearing of external coats over them. The practice was stopped, and all of a sudden certain timings went through the roof as in came all the interruptions when trying to get somewhere or do something. Surprisingly enough, no more heard!

My deux centimes
All necessary equipment for safety critical work to be provided
Customer facing grades - enough to be identifiable as such
All other grades - no uniform and no dress code (within reason). It’s an unnecessary distraction and the assertion above that wearing a “military style” (can’t wait for the BR branded bearskin caps!) uniform will help staff “discipline” isn’t backed up by facts, I’m afraid. Plus there’s only so much the railway can do to pander to the outdated notion among a minority of passengers (and staff) that if a railway employee isn’t schlepping about the place dressed like Beau Brummell they’re somehow slovenly or untrustworthy.

The smartest uniform I've seen is definitely the GWR green style. Looks very prifessional and smart!

I have to say the whole premise is flawed. I once worked as a room attendant at one of the Royal palaces, the uniform was uber smart as you might expect, but it was totally impractical, uncomfortable and not suited to working outside in winter. Along with this supposedly smart uniform making our job harder and more miserable, it confirmed to us that management were utterly clueless or uninterested in our welfare.

Plus the uniform paled into insignificance alongside the rubbish pay, poor or absent management, long working hours, ever worsening conditions and general malaise, all of the above had a far greater impact on customer service or the lack thereof than what we were wearing.

The idea that somehow dressing up staff in quasi military uniform would improve 'discipline' falls somewhere between comically Pooterish and vaguely disturbing... like something from the transport section of a Ukip election manifesto.

Ties are my biggest bugbear. Horrible things. As for uniform, most I've been issued are very cheap and nasty, look terrible and are not fit for purpose. Coats that are neither warm nor waterproof for people who have to trudge a mile in the freezing rain to the sidings. Tacky acrylic shirts that draw sweat out of you like a sponge even in winter. Managers running around making drivers wear ties when they work in cabs with no proper Aircon. Platform staff wrapped in layers of their own clothes in winter because the company don't provide enough. Pockets that develop holes within a week of issue. Etc.

The best uniform for railway staff would be a practical one for the jobs people do that is actually well made and of decent quality material. Preferably not made by sweatshop labour.

We have a more formal uniform but it's made of polyester. Consequently when I'm running up and down a local service doing tickets with no air con on a hot day in black trousers and a shirt I often resemble someone who has taken a quick dip in a pool. For my own personal pride I take a quick wash and a top up of deodorant when the opportunity arises but I ceased caring about having massive sweat patches years ago - the uniform makes it inevitable.

I actually like having a more formal uniform - but I would be happier if it was made of better quality materials and had at least some concession to the fact 15x DMUs are not hospitable working environments.

MrPIC said:

I'm a firm believed that a high quality, smart uniform goes a long way to helping staff feel more professional and therefore perform a little better.

Click to expand...

I get this, completely.
But at the same time, I'd be equally happy for many staff to be dressed in whatever. Drivers, many ticket office staff, obviously people in non-pubic areas - I'd be happy if any of them wanted to wear nice clothes (IE, not sweary or fashion clothing). But I also am aware I am in the minority here.

But to put a fun spin on it (thinking about train liveries), if I get a good service, I couldn't care less what "livery" a person is wearing.

However, for things like supermarkets, it's easier to spot a member of staff if they're wearing clearly identifiable uniform.

Although I have never specified uniforms for the rail industry I have specified uniforms many times and have found the keys to success are as follows:

• Make sure they are appropriate to the role - too many people want people to be too smart for the job they are doing
• Consider health and safety
  
• Remember they are a key part of your brand - they need to make your company look good
• Don't skimp on quality - poor quality costs more as you'll need to replace it more often
• Consult staff when selecting it - this helps acceptance and makes a difference for choosing one that is practical
• Avoid light blue or grey shirts - sweat really shows on a hot day and it looks gross
• Colour matters - stick with boring colours - how many people really want to wear shocking pink (apart from Camp Freddie in the Italian Job) but use colour as an accent for a tie or a scarf
• Specify comfortable shoes - no high heels
  
• Reinforce the rules - no personal clothes, accessories or badges or variances allowed (unless approved in advance)
  
• Make changes based on feedback when in use
• Don't forget the branding / tax tags so staff aren't or can't be taxed on them as a benefit

One more thing - you might be able to claim a uniform tax rebate for the last four years to cover things such as the washing of it

The post by @AndrewP is very sensible.

I really don't understand the desire poster above have for the creation of some kind of paramilitary uniform with rank slides and epaulettes and medals and ribbons and egg on hats. Perhaps we should issue guards bearskins so they can be seen on a crowded train!

A uniform need sot be smart, practical, hard wearing and made of of sensible breathable fibres! Also staff need to be issued with several complete sets of uniforms to allow for washing and keep them looking smart and tidy.

There is hardly any uniforms which are practical. I do believe a smart polo shirt and matching trousers is both smarter and more practical than a thick shirt and wool trousers definitely in this weather at least for platform staff who could be running up and down the platforms, splitting and attaching and locking out trains non stop. Maybe Conductors and On Board staff should be dressed more smartly. It also depends on the TOC if we are talking about a commuter TOC such as Southern or Southeastern do the customers really care about what the staff are wearing as long as they are identifiable.

AndrewP said:

Although I have never specified uniforms for the rail industry I have specified uniforms many times and have found the keys to success are as follows:

• Make sure they are appropriate to the role - too many people want people to be too smart for the job they are doing
• Consider health and safety
  
• Remember they are a key part of your brand - they need to make your company look good
• Don't skimp on quality - poor quality costs more as you'll need to replace it more often
• Consult staff when selecting it - this helps acceptance and makes a difference for choosing one that is practical
• Avoid light blue or grey shirts - sweat really shows on a hot day and it looks gross
• Colour matters - stick with boring colours - how many people really want to wear shocking pink (apart from Camp Freddie in the Italian Job) but use colour as an accent for a tie or a scarf
• Specify comfortable shoes - no high heels
  
• Reinforce the rules - no personal clothes, accessories or badges or variances allowed (unless approved in advance)
  
• Make changes based on feedback when in use
• Don't forget the branding / tax tags so staff aren't or can't be taxed on them as a benefit

One more thing - you might be able to claim a uniform tax rebate for the last four years to cover things such as the washing of it

Click to expand...

One other factor, I once worked for a company that were doing a full uniform update, luckily for me I was in the first department
Why was it lucky?
Well in all the shiny bells and whistles of the new uniform we were promised a high service quality from the manufacturer, in which they came to our offices, with the full range, measured and fitted us in the correct uniform, upon delivery, perfect 100% no returns, sizing issues, complaints.

however, they ditched that service offered for the next department, and it was a full mix match again, as people had to return clothes as wrongly sized etc etc.

"I dont care if you wear a 12, it just so happens you fit perfectly into a 16 size of this uniform, so thats what you need"

bramling said:

Personally I don’t really buy the idea of dressing people in polo shirts - dress people like they’re on a school trip and people will start behaving like it. However others no doubt take a different view. Again, London Underground happens to be a current example of an operator who has created a bad uniform.

Click to expand...

Polo shirts and/or wicking tops are durable, comfortable, smart and modern...When accompanied by decent, durable trousers and footwear. Most Police forces and Fire & Rescue services use these for their staff for this very reason, but still have formal, ceremonial attire should they need it for special occasions. If staff are comfortable, they'll probably perform better. Of course it depends how any uniform is worn as to the respect it commands (You can't polish a turd as the old saying goes, and some staff just make their uniform look horrible anyway...)

We never seem to get a uniform at my TOC that is just right, and that's after having clothing tested for several months by individuals from all different grades of Drivers, Train managers, Catering, Platform, Ticket office and so on.
Obviously everybody is different in body shape and would be too excessive and expensive to have tailor made uniform and unnecessary.

Also those that are dealing with passengers should be smart, be easily identifiable as to what train company they work for and job title.

Drivers just require something comfortable, fit for purpose with adequate pockets for all the keys and diagram, phone, diary and other bits and bobs we need, so smart trousers with elasticated waist (we do tend to spread out a little), well i do! Polo shirt with company name, light jacket for warmer weather and a good all weather coat plus safety boots/shoes.

One of the main requirements though is to be able to distinguish different grades but most importantly those that are competent in PTS (Personnel track safety).

Personally I think the only neccesary part of a uniform is the top which should be clearly identifiable as a member of staff. Everything else doesn't matter in my opinion. If someone was wearing shorts and trainers that wouldn't bother me.

I think the Grand Central uniform is very smart.
On another note, why do staff wear RMT/ASLEF badges. Is this allowed?

greyman42 said:

On another note, why do staff wear RMT/ASLEF badges. Is this allowed?

Click to expand...

.... and Ties.

It is with my TOC!

I thought we had a decent uniform on LUL. Different style uniform for different grades so you generally knew who you were talking to before they opened their mouths, controllers liked it as they could see who was who on their cctv when something happens. Wasn't the best quality but it was functional and when worn properly, quite smart.

Now we have the uniform of a thousand roundels. Everyone looks the same - I have no idea who I'm talking to unless I ask or check name badges, controllers asking 'Is that the supervisor with you?''No control, it's a station assistant' and it is simply over-designed with the quality a step down with two shirts from the same batch fitting differently for example.

Plus the shorts are well naff compared to the old ones!!

I'll go off on a slight tangent here, has anyone ever actually been thankful for steel toe shoes/boots? I personally can't really see the point of the steel toe bit. For me, the grip of the shoe/boot is far more important. Especially as I've slipped in the past with a pair of the railway issued rubbish I've worn in the past, (but hey, it passed the relevent safety standards!)

As for the smart Vs casual. I've known ex military staff who've looked impeccable but not had anything like the ability of some of the scruffier staff. I don't buy the appearance thing one iota.

driver_m said:

I'll go off on a slight tangent here, has anyone ever actually been thankful for steel toe shoes/boots? I personally can't really see the point of the steel toe bit. For me, the grip of the shoe/boot is far more important. Especially as I've slipped in the past with a pair of the railway issued rubbish I've worn in the past, (but hey, it passed the relevent safety standards!)

As for the smart Vs casual. I've known ex military staff who've looked impeccable but not had anything like the ability of some of the scruffier staff. I don't buy the appearance thing one iota.

Click to expand...

I've had very many suitcases dropped on my feet over the years and been run over by the refreshment cart once or twice as well!

Another important thing for me is pockets. As a guard I carry a huge number of things and the women in particular struggle to store them.

We have 2 type of driver uniform. Casual which is polos and cargo trousers and then smart which is shirt and suit trousers.
I own both but personally can’t stand the casual due to the thickness of the polo and the feel of it. You actually need to iron it more than a smart shirt because of the way the damn thing always dries and curls up.
I usually only dig it out on night shifts now.
I did Originally wear the suit jacket but ditched that pretty sharpish for a Harrington due to impracticality

OxtedSignaller said:

I do believe a smart polo shirt and matching trousers is smart

Click to expand...

Horses for courses and all that.
I will never see polo shirts as smart.
I consider shirts, nice trousers, tie as smart.

whhistle said:

Horses for courses and all that.
I will never see polo shirts as smart.
I consider shirts, nice trousers, tie as smart.

Click to expand...

Shirt/jacket/tie simply isn’t appropriate for many roles on the railway (including driver). It’s also possible to look an absolute mess in a cheap badly fitting suit-style TOC uniform.

We have moved from “suit” style to polo shirt and the consensus is that the polos are both smarter and more appropriate.

driver_m said:

I'll go off on a slight tangent here, has anyone ever actually been thankful for steel toe shoes/boots?

Click to expand...

No, but there have been instances where I've wished I did have them! A fully-loaded stock cage running over my toes and breaking three of them being the most 'memorable'.

whhistle said:

I consider shirts, nice trousers, tie as smart.

Click to expand...

Smart is great, but it has to be practical as well.

The best thing GA have done in my opinion is to give us drivers the choice of with/without tie uniforms. I detest wearing them & have no other reason in life to wear one. I have found this a plus as it tends to make passengers aim more for customer facing roles for the usual ticketing type questions that we often cannot answer. The craze now to insist on the lanyard round the neck has however made this the new beeline for those seeking out staff.

I don't really know why TOCs change or introduce their uniforms and keep having ties even now when most of the business community have ditched them. It's perfectly acceptable to wear an open top button and suit jacket these days.

VTWC did this with their last but one uniform issue and I thought it was very modern. Just grey shirts and grey trousers in the heat and no ties. Their latest issue is for polo necks to be worn on weekends and bank hols by train managers. Formal wear for in the week.

Half of industry wear polo necks now so why every TOC doesn't offer one I'm not sure. Most of Jaguar Land rover wear them and it's no circus or school trip there.

Also, I feel like a full suit is inappropriate at weekends. Most of the traveling public are leisure travelers at the weekend a d are in very casual wear. Staff then look over dressed and can also be made to feel more vulenrable to p-taking on a Saturday night on late night services full of drunk party goers who have a guard looking like a porter from the grand hotel complete with waistcoat.

Why make staff look over dressed at the weekends especially evenings, it just gives people who don't like rail staff another thing to make fun of them for because they have their top button done up and their clip on tie and suit on when dealing with the last arrival from the party strip when everyone else is dressed in a relaxed casual fashion? It's just going to make the staff stand out a mile and look anything but trendy while everyone else is. Ive had many a time a group of lads all laughing and jeering, and wearing a school uniform type thing makes you feel like you don't fit the environment on a Saturday night, and myself and others have had pointing and remarks such as staff look like characters from Harry Potter. I'd feel more comfortable in front of customers in a polo neck on late night weekends. Removing ties would be a start.

Also note a lot of uniform issue ladies with cravat type things which allow for top buttons to be left undone. However many uniforms issue the man a clip on tie only and they can't wear an open top button. This is uncomfortable and doesn't seem very fair. Also a lot of office environments allow ladies to wear dresses so things in the business environment definitely seem to be getting more informal but not the railway for some reason?

If TOCs want people to wear smart uniforms and passengers want to see staff in smart uniforms then uniform shaped - ie height to weight ratios - have to be considered when employing staff. It doesn't matter what the style or quality of the suit is, a porker will always be a porker.