The TUC were joined by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) on September 13 to highlight the problem of having a sexist dress code, which forces women to wear heels to work.
I find the fascination with Theresa May's kitten heels as nauseating as anyone but she should be allowed to wear what she wants.
— helena horton 🐱 (@horton_official) 13 September 2016
The TUC delegates also called for the Prime Minister Theresa May to stop wearing kitten heels and swap them for sensible flats in order to set an example for women in the workplace, proving that they do not need to wear uncomfortable and feet-deforming shoes to rise to the top of the corporate ladder.
The TUC report on footwear suggests that up to 80 percent of the adult population is wearing shoes that are inappropriate and leading to some form of foot problem. This can vary from aches and pains, to swelling and corns as well as fungal infections and varicose veins.
Not all of these issues are a result of work activities, however a large percentage of them are and the TUC states in their report that they could be avoided if employers take simple straightforward steps to protect their workers.
Commenting on the motion, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said that employers needed to start employing common sense.
"We need common sense when it comes to dress codes, not outdated sexist policies. It is ridiculous that so many employers still insist their female staff wear high heels and make-up in 2016," Frances O'Grady told Sputnik.
"Regularly wearing high heels increases wear and tear on knee joints and can lead to back problems. They should be a choice, not a condition of the job."
