There can be no doubt who is wearing the trousers at a Westcliff post office - but the women workers could land themselves in hot water.

A group of women have been warned they may face disciplinary action over their refusal to wear the official uniform, which includes a skirt.

Female staff at the sub-contracted post office in Dillons, Hamlet Court Road, run by T & S Stores Post Office Division, are adamant they should be able to wear trousers instead.

One said: "We have been told that next Thursday we will have a disciplinary hearing because we won't wear skirts. We are still wearing the trousers.

"It seems stupid as we are seen from the waist up from behind a counter. It is not making any difference to our job and we have got people to sign a petition now. Our point of view is that it doesn't interfere with the job we are doing.

"We are going to stick to our guns."

A circular to all staff from operations controller Debra Wallbanks reminds all staff employed at the sub-post office they have been issued with uniforms.

It adds: "I would therefore remind you that you are required to wear them. I have asked your area manager to monitor your office closely as supplying uniforms is a major expenditure to the company and not considered to be a waste of money."

One worker said she often has to walk to work from home in the cold weather and that trousers are more practical. She said staff don't mind wearing skirts in the summer. She said: "Most of our customers can't believe our company are going this far."

No-one was available for comment from T & S Stores Post Office Division.

Suits us - post office counter staff Michelle, Lorraine, Lynn and Freda with petitions signed by customers

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.