New Greater Manchester taxi driver dress code doesn't permit football jerseys or hoodies to be worn
Updated: Oct 3, 2021
A new dress code for taxi and private hire drivers licensed by any of Greater Manchester's licensing authorities has been agreed by committee members.
The executive committee from Trafford Council discussed the new agreement at their latest meeting held this week.
The purpose of the dress code is to set a standard that licensing authorities say will provide a "positive image of the licensed hackney carriage and private hire trade in Greater Manchester, promoting public and driver safety".
The new dress standard is as follows:
All clothing worn by those working as private hire or hackney carriage drivers must be in good condition and the driver must keep good standards of personal hygiene.
As a minimum standard whilst working a licensed driver, males should wear trousers and a shirt/t-shirt or polo shirt which has a full body and short/long sleeves.
Knee length shorts are acceptable. Exceptions related to faith or disability are accepted.
As a minimum standard whilst working as a licensed driver, females should wear trousers, or a knee length skirt or dress, and a shirt/blouse/t-shirt or polo shirt which have a full body and a short/long sleeve. Knee length shorts are also acceptable. Exceptions related to faith or disability are accepted.
Footwear whilst working as a licensed driver shall fit (i.e. be secure) around the toe and heel.
Examples of unacceptable standard of dress clothing are those which are not kept in a clean condition, free from holes, rips or other damage.
Words or graphics on any clothing that is of an offensive or suggestive nature which might offend are also deemed unacceptable.
Sportswear e.g. football/rugby kits including team shirts or beachwear are also not permitted.
Sandals with no heel straps, flip flops or any other footwear not secure around the
heel are banned, and the wearing of any hood or any other type of clothing that may obscure the driver’s vision or their identity are also banned.
The report concluded: "The Council recognises the positive image that uniforms can create. This dress code does not require a licensed driver to wear a distinct uniform.
"The council acknowledges that many private hire and hackney carriage companies do require licensed drivers to wear appropriate corporate branded uniform and this is a practice that the council would encourage licensed drivers to support."
