A civil servant is challenging a government department after he was forced to wear a collar and tie for work.

Ian Jarman says the new rule is an example of sexual discrimination - because women can wear what they want.

He is being backed by his trade union which is planning to take the case to an employment tribunal.

Mr Jarman, who has worked for the Department for Work and Pensions in Moseley, Birmingham, for the past 26 years, said he had never had to wear a tie to work before.

Mr Jarman never wore a tie to work

The dress code was introduced in June this year and since Mr Jarman has had two disciplinary hearings because he refused to follow the new rules.

He said he had been wearing a tie since September but only because he risked losing his job if he did not comply.

"Women are allowed to wear an open shirt and trousers, many even wear a t-shirt," he said.

"If I wear an open shirt without a tie it's a disciplinary offence for which I could potentially get the sack - it's sex discrimination.

Smart image

"A lot of my male colleagues aren't happy about the new dress code."

A spokeswoman from the Department for Work and Pensions said they would not comment on individual cases.

"The dress code was introduced in April to give a more professional appearance to staff who deal with members of the public," she said.

"We require a smart and professional image from all of our staff, but there is no specific requirements for women."