No, an employee does not have to provide their own PPE in the UK. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers are legally required to provide their employees with suitable PPE free of charge, where necessary. This means that employers must assess the risks in the workplace and identify any hazards that could cause injury or illness to employees. If there are hazards that cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means, employers must provide employees with the appropriate PPE to protect them.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, employers do not have to provide PPE for employees who work from home, or for employees who are exposed to hazards that are not related to their work. However, in general, employers are responsible for providing their employees with the PPE they need to stay safe at work.

If an employee is required to provide their own PPE, it is important to note that the employer must still ensure that the PPE is suitable and adequate for the job. The employer must also provide employees with training on how to use and maintain the PPE properly.

If you have any questions or concerns about PPE at work, you should talk to your employer.

For more information on PPE requirements, visit the HSE website.

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