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There is a cashier position in a local supermarket, but they've said that for the moment they have no male uniforms and that I should try again in the future! The uniform is in my opinion fairly unisex; trousers as opposed to a skirt, plain blouse (which looks like a shirt) and a cardigan. I have no problem wearing this uniform and need the job. I'm fairly slight of build, so don't think sizing should be a problem. How do I stand on this?

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    Any useful answer would depend on your location.
    – Patricia Shanahan
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 22:44
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    Thought this was a duplicate of How can I tell my boss the required uniform makes me personally uncomfortable? however on closer reading seems to be the exact opposite take.
    – Myles
    Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 0:36
  • Depends what country you're in. Illegal in the UK/EU.
    – A E
    Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 8:15
  • Voted to close: this is not a clear-cut case and you'd be better served with professional legal advice or, failing that, the Law SE.
    – Lilienthal ♦
    Commented Oct 13, 2015 at 16:58

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This is a borderline legal issue. In the US, you can not be turned down for a job based on your sex. They are turning you down because you are a male. Not having a male uniform is their issue, not yours. In my opinion, that sounds like sex discrimination.

You should consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction, if you feel the position is worth fighting for. However, lawyers/courts do cost money and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome. And do you really want to work at a place you took to court?

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    A cheaper solution is if you have evidence that this is the case a trade union would be interested
    – Ed Heal
    Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 6:11
  • Difficult legal question. As described, it's not the gender that's the problem, but the lack of uniforms. No idea what a judge or a jury would think about it. Now if the problem is that they have never designed a male version of that uniform and will for the foreseeable future not be able to supply one, that would a strong argument against them.
    – gnasher729
    Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 21:40
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    @gnasher729 It is a gender issue. They claim they are not able to hire a male. That is a gender issue. But as noted above, this is a case for lawyers.
    – yo'
    Commented Oct 12, 2015 at 14:22

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