Fashion police target scruffy college staff

College lecturers have been told they face a dressing down if they turn up for work in jeans. Members of staff at Birmingham Metropolitan College will be sent home to change if they do not follow a strict dress code, which includes being colour co-ordinated.

They have been told not to have "outrageous" hairstyles, not to wear jewellery that is "excessive" or "unconventional" and to wear matching trousers or skirts. College officials say they are promoting a professional and business-like image, which staff have "a responsibility to uphold" in the way they dress.

But the UCU lecturers' union accused the college management of acting like "fashion police". The college guidance defined suitable dress and appearance for staff as: "A business suit; smart jacket and co-ordinating trousers or skirt; smart shirt/blouse/top and trousers or skirt; smart dress etc.



"Hair should be neat, tidy and well groomed. Outrageous styles and colours are not acceptable. Any jewellery worn should not be excessive or unconventional.

"Earrings, if worn, must not be excessive, obtrusive or ostentatious. No other jewellery worn through visible piercings is permitted. Tattoos must be covered.

"Jeans or scruffy/torn trousers; shorts; sweatshirts or t-shirts with slogans or symbols are not permitted."