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New guidance has been published for employers on latex allergies in the workplace.
The Royal College of Physicians and NHS Plus launched the guidelines, which state that research does not support a ban and companies should assess whether alternative gloves could be used.
Guidelines dictate that adjustments in the workplace and personal avoidance of latex mean that all except severe cases of latex allergy can be managed without the need for redeployment, retirement through ill health or termination of employment.
The report suggests that local and national policies to encourage the switch from powdered latex gloves to powder-free gloves are a proven effective method of reducing latex allergies.
It said: "The use of powder-free, low protein latex gloves as an alternative to powdered latex gloves significantly reduces the incidence of latex allergy and latex-induced asthma, as well as the prevalence of latex-related symptoms.
"Powdered latex gloves should therefore not be used in the workplace."
"There are two types of natural rubber latex allergy, one caused by the natural proteins and the other by the chemicals used to convert the latex to a usable form.
