We provide free uniform to staff and cost to workers. Is it compulsory to also provide washing allowance? Uniform is compulsory in our organisation.
From India, Coimbatore
Acknowledge(0)
Amend(0)
From India, Coimbatore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Whether provided free or on a cost basis, if wearing a uniform during working hours is imposed as a rule to be observed by employees, I think that the employer is bound to pay a washing allowance to ensure 100% compliance with the said rule.
From India, Salem
Acknowledge(1)
Amend(0)
6108From India, Salem
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Washing allowance is part of maintenance for the employer and hence employer should pay the allowances.
From India, Vadodara
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Vadodara
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Understanding Washing Allowance
Washing allowance is just an allowance that is a component of salary break-up given by companies for various reasons. It has nothing to do with the cost of washing a uniform.
As long as you are paying fair wages, it is immaterial whether the amount is in a washing allowance shown separately or in the basic salary.
There is nothing in the law that requires a washing allowance to be given. It's your choice.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Washing allowance is just an allowance that is a component of salary break-up given by companies for various reasons. It has nothing to do with the cost of washing a uniform.
As long as you are paying fair wages, it is immaterial whether the amount is in a washing allowance shown separately or in the basic salary.
There is nothing in the law that requires a washing allowance to be given. It's your choice.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Colleague,
As guided by our colleagues, there are practical differences in the extension of "Washing Allowance." The issue or supply of a uniform is a welfare measure and is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary measure by the employer to support the employees. Unless the "Washing Allowance" is a component as part of any 18(1) settlement or 12(3) settlement or under any Award of the Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal, it is not mandatory to extend this Washing Allowance. It is the prerogative of the employer. Some companies include it as part of the salary break-up for various other purposes.
In some companies, the employer provides a washing allowance only to selected sections where the nature of the job involves a high amount of dust, etc., and not for all but supplies uniforms to all employees whether they work on the shop floor or in the office. Therefore, whether to extend this Washing Allowance is an internal decision of the employer and not a legal or statutory requirement. Issuing uniforms does not necessitate the provision of a Washing Allowance; it should be linked to the nature of the job or work environment, such as working in dust-prone areas.
For example, when issuing shoes to employees, it should not lead to shoe maintenance charges or polish charges, etc. While it may be a nice gesture to provide additional allowances, there should be limitations to such practices from the initial stage itself.
From India, Chennai
Acknowledge(2)
Amend(0)
As guided by our colleagues, there are practical differences in the extension of "Washing Allowance." The issue or supply of a uniform is a welfare measure and is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary measure by the employer to support the employees. Unless the "Washing Allowance" is a component as part of any 18(1) settlement or 12(3) settlement or under any Award of the Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal, it is not mandatory to extend this Washing Allowance. It is the prerogative of the employer. Some companies include it as part of the salary break-up for various other purposes.
In some companies, the employer provides a washing allowance only to selected sections where the nature of the job involves a high amount of dust, etc., and not for all but supplies uniforms to all employees whether they work on the shop floor or in the office. Therefore, whether to extend this Washing Allowance is an internal decision of the employer and not a legal or statutory requirement. Issuing uniforms does not necessitate the provision of a Washing Allowance; it should be linked to the nature of the job or work environment, such as working in dust-prone areas.
For example, when issuing shoes to employees, it should not lead to shoe maintenance charges or polish charges, etc. While it may be a nice gesture to provide additional allowances, there should be limitations to such practices from the initial stage itself.
From India, Chennai
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)CiteHR is an AI-augmented HR knowledge and collaboration platform, enabling HR professionals to solve real-world challenges, validate decisions, and stay ahead through collective intelligence and machine-enhanced guidance. Join Our Platform.
Manpower Requirement Form.doc
Employer-employ ee_866.jpg
Maharashtra Special allowance Notification July 14 to Dec 14.pdf