British Officers Stage ‘Slob-In’

Hundreds of immigration officers at British airports and seaports dressed casually in track suits or T-shirts and jeans Friday to protest the government’s refusal to pay allowances for coats and ties.

The Immigration Service Union argues that if the Home Office, which is responsible for immigration affairs, “requires us to dress in a formal style, they should pay for it.”

The union’s 1,200 members across the country voted to show up for work in casual dress after the government refused a $425 annual allowance for uniforms, spokesman Mike Smith said.

The Home Office expects officers to wear a jacket, shirt and tie, he said.