Ambulance chiefs threaten to sack paramedics who wear novelty socks

Uniformed staff have been barred from wearing socks with images of cartoon characters, jokes and garish patterns after bosses branded them "unprofessional".

The strict uniform policy, issued by North West Ambulance Service, also bans wrist watches, visible body piercing, excessive make-up and certain tattoos.

Staff have been warned they could be disciplined and ultimately even sacked if they flout the dress code which forms part of their terms of employment.



However, the move have been condemned by critics who have dismissed the novelty sock ban as a step too far.

Jonathan Fox, a spokesman for the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel, said: "I am a firm believer in having a dress code but this is stretching the rules too far. The majority of staff wear boots so their socks can't even be seen.

"North West Ambulance Service should be addressing more important issues like why paramedic training has been stalled for months."