Millions of uniformed workers are unaware they can claim money back for washing and maintaining their work clothes through HMRC tax relief
Workers in uniform could be missing out on as much as £142 million in unclaimed tax relief from this year alone. HMRC provides those required to wash, maintain, or repair uniforms or tools needed for their jobs with tax relief, either as a flat-rate expense or the actual cost if supported by receipts.
A uniform is defined as clothing that identifies you as belonging to a particular profession, such as a nurse or police officer. Claims may also be possible for specialist clothing required for work, even if it doesn’t identify you as having a specific occupation, for example overalls or safety boots.
The standard flat-rate expense allowance for uniform maintenance is £60, meaning a basic rate taxpayer applying for this would receive £12 tax relief annually. If the estimated 12 million UK workers who wear a uniform all claimed this amount, it would total up to £142m.
Certain professionals are entitled to claim considerably more than this, and the amounts can also be rebated for four additional years. It covers any money spent on clothing or tools, from a regular wash to getting it professionally cleaned, to repairing or replacing items.
A study commissioned by Utilita, surveying 1,000 workers who wear a recognisable uniform or protective clothing as part of their role, as part of its award-winning High5 campaign, revealed that 40% remain unaware of this scheme. Many had no idea they were eligible, while others were uncertain about how to submit a claim.
A Utilita spokesperson said: “Even the smallest ways to help save you money on the necessities you need to do your job can make a big difference in the long run.”
Typical workplace uniform requirements include being completely free from stains or marks, properly ironed and crease-free, and maintained in pristine condition.
This meant 48% of those required to wear a uniform needed to replace their clothes or gear at least a few times during a 12-month period. They also need to repair it twice in the same timeframe and 27% are required by their employers to wash it after every single use.
This results in average annual costs of £81 on general upkeep, as the typical uniformed worker will spend £32 per year washing it, £18 carrying out essential repairs, and £31 on outright replacement.
To help save additional money, Utilita recommends washing laundry at 30 degrees instead of hotter, and making sure your washing machine is fully loaded before putting it on a cycle – something 34% of uniformed workers already do.
“Simple tips when using your washing machine, like using a lower heat and always making sure it’s fully loaded, can help both the planet and your wallet,” added the Utilita spokesperson.
“And while you’re watching your clothes swirl around, also remember that the money you’ve spent cleaning them can be put right back in your pocket at the end of the financial year.”
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