Letter: Loss of our uniform approach to life

Sir: Recent reports of increasing physical attacks on doctors by their patients sadly follow upon widespread assault by school pupils upon their teachers. Cannot both these modern phenomena be a result of the recent abandonment of the uniforms of authority?

As a product of a generation when my mentors wore cap and gown, and doctors invariably adopted the professional status of a black coat and striped trousers, I was startled on visiting an NHS establishment recently to discover doctors clad in the ultimate dishevelment of working-class mateyness. Denim jeans, loosely laced trainers and the obligatory untailored blouson, neither enhanced nor diminished their healing capacities.

Adoption of 'down the boozer' clothing by those whose image - as well as their credentials - should invite respect, suggests that the wearer is, after all, only one of us, and fair game for a mouthful of knuckles.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN TAYLOR

Editor

British Style Magazine

London, N7

14 April