A SURVEY has revealed that 50 per cent of Lancashire companies require their staff to turn up in formal business attire, regardless of the summer weather.

One in three businesses that took part in the online poll allow employees to remove ties and wear short-sleeved shirts in the summer.

But fewer than one in five said they actively encouraged staff to wear summer clothing, such as shorts and sandals, in the summer months.

James Treadwell, partner at business advisory firm Moore and Smalley, which carried out the survey, said: “Traditional industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and financial services may take a more conservative approach to dress codes, in line with what they believe their customers will expect.

“Other sectors, such as new media and creative design, may take a more relaxed stance on workplace attire.”

He added: “Whether the recent hot weather will continue is another matter entirely, especially in Lancashire.”