Workers told to bin their shorts

The binmen's dress code has been a bone of contention

Binmen in Dunfermline have threatened a work to rule after being banned from wearing shorts in hot weather.

The refuse collectors had previously been able to abandon their long trousers on hot summer days.

But Fife Council's environmental services department has insisted the wearing of shorts raises serious health and safety concerns.

The council has said it was willing to meet with representatives of the binmen's trade union.

Head of environmental services Fraser Thomson told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "Binmen can suffer from cuts and grazes, insect bites, dog bites and this is just an added safety measure for the men.

Risk assessment

"They could also suffer sun damage which could lead to serious problems such as skin cancer."

"If they have a concern about the comfort of long trousers provided, we're quite happy to meet with them, discuss it and try and find a better alternative. The risk of wearing shorts is too great."

He said the local authority had undertaken a risk assessment taking account of guidance form the Health and Safety Executive.

The workers' union Unison has asked the binmen not to instigate a proposed work to rule until further discussions take place.

The council and the union will hold talks on Tuesday.