DRESS down days have been given a "dressing down" by an East Lancashire company which supplies uniforms.

Research on behalf of Altham-based firm Simon Jersey warns allowing workers to dress casually is not good for business.

Simon Jersey, one of Europe's leading designers and manufacturers of clothes for business, commissioned the independent research in a bid to discover the benefits of uniforms in the workplace.

Researchers looked at the impact business-wear has in Britain and Germany and found in both countries a uniform has a dramatic impact on customer perception.

They found businesses whose staff wear a uniform would be likely to provide a better service (88 per cent of people agreed), have more competent staff (84 per cent), be more professional (81 per cent) and be more successful (75 per cent). Dress down days, particularly on a Friday, were "imported" from America around five years ago and are becoming more popular with firms.

Viv Jebson, of Simon Jersey, said: "Customers perceive that a company investing in clothes for people to work in also invests in training and improved customer service."

"Our research showed that an astounding 91 per cent of customers surveyed felt a uniformed employee would have more respect for them and their needs.

"While the trend towards dress down days and more flexible dress codes may be gaining popularity in some business arenas, there must come a point at which such a policy affects profitability."

Donna Dawson, a psychologist called in by Simon Jersey to comment on the survey, said: "Customers connect uniforms to a good standard of service. An organisation that cares enough to uniform its staff must, by extension, have a product of which they are proud."

Simon Jersey, founded in 1971 in Accrington with just three staff, now employs more than 300 and has an annual turnover of over £30 million.