Dress code

[Piquetero]

I'm going to move to the Uk to work for a big chain and I'm wondering about the dress code of the pharmacists in the Uk. Here in Italy we wear a labcoat with a badge that is the Symbol of the Society, but we don't have to wear a suit under it. I usually wear a jumper,shirt,jeans and my Dr. Martens boots under the labcoat! It's the labcoat that identifies pharmacists in the pharmacy cause the staff doesn't wear it. Do you think in the Uk I'll be expected to wear a suit with a tie? Big chains have a sort of "uniform"?

[Zoggite]

So you've decided to take the plunge and come and play with us in rainy Britain then!
I'm afraid you will need to acquire some smart suits, shirts, and ties, even if you do choose to wear a labcoat (which is rather old-fashioned here, and it scares children).
Chains only have uniforms for the "lower" ranks of staff, i.e. counter assistants, dispensers, etc...;And then, it's nearly always only for ladies. If you are a man working in a pharmacy the general public will always assume that you are the Pharmacist (if not the Doctor!), just because you are a man!

[N.T]

Chains only have uniforms for the "lower" ranks of staff, i.e. counter assistants, dispensers, etc...;And then, it's nearly always only for ladies.

I know a lady pharmacist in a Boots store who wear the Boots white tunic uniform thing.

How demeaning is that?

[Zoggite]

I know a lady pharmacist in a Boots store who wear the Boots white tunic uniform thing.

Yeah- and I bet she gets asked fifteen times a day by punters whether they "can have a word with the pharmacist", even though she wears a badge that says "pharmacist"!!!!

[Jeff]

I'm afraid you will need to acquire some smart suits, shirts, and ties,

Probably, but depends on where you end up working. Some places a suit and a tie mark you as a prime candidate for mugging.

Jeff

[johnep]

BTC have a dress code and this bans Dr Martens boots.
I have four BTC shirts and a couple of ties which I wear when working in a BTC branch.
In the old days always wore a white coat as handling liquids, ointments and powders.
Now have a couple of suitable locum suits bought from charity shop.

If you buy in a posh area, suits often Baumer or even Armani.

Essential to have comfy shoes.
johnep

[Cathedral]

And what about ladies? How do you dress for work?

[Piquetero]

Ok so i'll bring with me a couple of suits and ties, and a pair of "suitable" comfy shoes..when I'll be there then i'll see if I'll be able to wear more casual!

[N.T]

On your first day in a new store always wear a good lady's suit.

From there you can judge what the store is like.

Once I know the store, depending on area I usually wear smart trousers and blouse. Some stores I wear smart trousers and casual-ish top.

Occasionally I can get away with jeans and a top (evenings in a local store).

If you're working for Boots in a city centre store you're best off going with a suit.

Lloyds is a bit more casual (top and smart trousers).

Definately have comfy shoes. (not scruffy - quality leather with soft sole is best).

That's my fashion column over with!

[Linnear]

When I first qualified I always wore a suit but there were two occasions when I wore jeans because the stores were only open on the Saturday morning.


BOTH times the area manager turned up to take me to another shop in the afternoon!

How unlucky is that?