Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

You can keep your red underwear, bankers told

Frank Jordans
Tuesday 18 January 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Good news for Swiss bankers: They may soon be allowed to wear red underwear, black nail polish – and even eat garlic.

Swiss banking giant UBS AG said yesterday that it was revising its 44-page dress code, which generated worldwide ridicule for its micromanagement of its Swiss staff's dressing and dining habits.

The code instructed employees on everything from their breath – no garlic or onions, please – to their underwear, which should be skin-coloured.

"We're reviewing what is important to us," UBS spokesman Andreas Kern said. He said the bank would issue a pared-down booklet with more general guidelines on how to impress customers with a polished presence and sense of Swiss precision and decorum.

The existing code told female employees how to apply makeup, what kind of perfume to wear and what colour stockings were acceptable. It also advised them to avoid showing roots if they colour their hair and not to use black nail polish.

"You can extend the life of your knee socks and stockings by keeping your toenails trimmed and filed," the Zurich-based company added. "Always have a spare pair: stockings can be provisionally repaired with transparent nail polish and a bit of luck."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in