What kind of personal protective equipment should my employer give me?

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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

Published date

16 Dec 2025

If your employer cannot control your exposure to health and safety risks by other means, they should provide, free of charge, personal protective equipment (PPE). This can include boots, goggles, masks, overalls and other equipment according to the type of risk.

If you are exposed to chemicals, the type of PPE you need is set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) and includes gloves, masks and overalls. 

PPE should fit you properly and be appropriate for the work you are doing. Your employer must train you in how to use PPE correctly and must make sure that PPE is stored and maintained properly and replaced when necessary. 

You must not be charged for PPE. 

A TUC survey published in 2012 revealed that even though the law requires employers to supply PPE to their staff free of charge, more than one in five workers are being forced to pay for it out of their own pocket.  

Construction unions have warned against the dangers of counterfeit/fake PPE and advised workers to make sure that all the equipment issued to them is genuine.  

Remember that latex gloves are a major cause of allergic contact dermatitis, so may be a hazard themselves for some workers. 

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.

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