In: Finance
QUESTION 4 - EMPLOYMENT LAW
William has been employed to pack the boxes with the wine for home delivery. He works in a back room in the warehouse and interacts with delivery drivers only. William loves to wear a t-shirt with offensive words written on them, he thinks it is funny. One day he comes to the work wearing a t-shirt that says “No way get f…ked, f..k off”
The partners are very offended by this and ask him to change into a One Direction top they have given him. William has had enough and tells them “no way f..k you, f..k off”
The One Direction partners terminate his employment.
Did One Direction have the right to tell William to change his t-shirt and did they have a right to terminate him? William wants to claim unfair dismissal.
Dress code is something which is a personal choice. But, certain places have dress codes which are to be followed according to the place. For eg. If you are visiting a temple or a church, it is obvious that you will not wear a party wearing glittery and shiny clothes rather you will choose modest and simple clothes. On the other hand, if you are to attend a party, you will not wear a regular clothing, rather you will choose something which is new and shiny. Likewise, office is a place for work. In order to maintain the goodwill and image of the office, the employers can decide over the dress code to work. If the employee is assigned the duty of regular interaction with empoloyees and business, he/she will be advised to wear something that is pleasing, modest and which can show you the leader. Some workplaces also have uniforms or suits as dress code for employees.
In the above case, william works for the company that sells wines. However, he works in the back office and only deals with packing and interacts with delivery person, but according to the employment law, he cannot wear offensive dressing to the office. The employer has full authority to terminate him from his contract after intimation. In the above case, william not only refused to do so, but used swear words which are strictly prohibited in the workplace. The employer has full right to expell him from his duties.