Farm industry unites behind FW push for inclusive workwear

Huge swathes of the agricultural industry have united behind a Farmers Weekly push for more female-friendly workwear and equipment.

Together with fourteen organisations from across the sector, Farmers Weekly has written to a series of companies which manufacture workwear, PPE and other equipment to urge them to develop more products suitable for women.

See also: Farm safety: Is there a level playing field for women?

Signatories to the letters include the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the Tenant Farmers Association, the National Sheep Association, NFU Scotland and NFU Cymru and the British Poultry Council.

The move was made as part of the Level The Field campaign, after its research revealed women often struggle to find workwear and PPE that fits properly.

This can include anything from suitable trousers, to parlour tops, overalls, steel-toe cap boots, calving gloves, dust masks and high-visibility gear, which in some cases can fall below the knees.

One woman who spoke to Farmers Weekly said she had been forced to buy age 12 boiler suits for work, which even then needed to be shortened, and did not include practical features such as large pockets, hammer slings or pen pockets.

The letters read: “With a growing number of new entrants to farming in the UK being female – 26% in the 16-24 age range – ensuring they have the option of properly designed clothing is vital.

“Narrower shoulders, more room in the chest, shorter torsos and legs, wider hips, smaller hands and slimmer fingers all need to be taken into account.

“Failure to do so not only limits women’s participation in farm work, but can also affect their safety and performance. We therefore urge you to consider expanding your product line to include more female-friendly options.”