Posted on the 30th September 2025 in PHTM News
DUNDEE CABBIES CLAIM UNIFORM RULES ARE RISK TO HEALTH IN DRESS CODE SHOWDOWN
A group of Dundee taxi drivers has strongly pushed back against the city's mandatory uniform policy, claiming the existing rules pose a risk to their health and are "unsafe."
The backlash follows a reminder issued by Dundee City Council in August, which warned drivers could lose their licences for failing to comply with the dress code.
The reminder came amid concerns about some drivers wearing "football attire," shorts, and tracksuits while on duty. Current rules mandate a dress shirt, blouse, or polo shirt, with dress-type trousers or a skirt, and dress shoes, boots, or dress sandals.
The council's stance had previously been welcomed by some in the industry, with one cabbie telling The Courier: "I’ve seen drivers in baseball caps and tracksuit bottoms. I’m pleased efforts are being made to address the issue."
However, in a recent letter to the newspaper, an anonymous group of drivers - signing off as "a collection of local cabbies" - argued the policy is severely outdated and called for the council to bring its policy "into the 21st century."
The drivers claim that being forced into clothes such as formal trousers and leather shoes is restrictive and impractical for their work.
"Dundee taxi drivers deserve better than a dress code that belongs in another era," the letter stated. "Forcing us into leather shoes, formal trousers and shirts might look tidy on paper, but in reality, it is unsafe, unhealthy and out of step with modern working standards."
The group specifically cited overheating and dehydration during summer months, as well as the impracticality of the attire when helping customers with heavy shopping.
They even suggested the smarter clothes inhibit them from doing light exercises between jobs, affecting their ability to stay active.
The cabbies propose modern workwear as a sensible alternative, arguing: "It is entirely possible to look smart, presentable and respectful in modern workwear, smart trainers, loose trousers, or tailored shorts in summer."
The group concluded that their objection is not about fashion, but "a matter of safety, dignity and basic health."
A Dundee City Council spokesman responded simply by stating: "Taxi drivers can raise issues directly with the city council if they have any concerns."
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