Readers' forum : Fashion followers

I have several clients running shops where the employees are required to dress to particular standards. Word must be getting around because this has started to generate questions from the employers and the employees.

In some instances the employer provides clothing such as sweatshirts and polo shirts displaying the firm’s logo. I assume that these are classed as ‘uniform’ and are tax-deductible by the employer but with no tax charge on the employee. Is that correct even if the employees may choose to wear the clothing out of work?

Also the employers tell me that some employees are asking whether they should have a ‘laundry allowance’ to cover the costs of washing drying and ironing. If the employer pays this could this be a tax-free reimbursement and is there a reasonable amount that could be paid? Alternatively I suppose the employees would have...