Today’s news review looks at high heels in the workplace.
Today, Tuesday 1 August, the University of Aberdeen published a review of research and scientific studies into high heels. The review looks at the physical damage of wearing high heels as well as the social and cultural aspects of the fashion. The researchers call for a law to stop companies forcing their staff to wear high heels.
The review was covered by the Independent, I, BBC Scotland and Daily Mail. The Today programme also ran the story including an interview with researcher Heather Morgan from the University of Aberdeen.
The department has been clear that it is against the law to discriminate on the grounds of gender. Employers that set dress codes for their workforce should make sure they are proportionate, justifiable and not discriminatory.
A Government spokesperson said:
No employer should discriminate against workers on grounds of gender; it is unacceptable and is against the law. Dress codes must include equivalent requirements for both men and women. It would be unlawful to require women to wear high heels without a similar requirement for men.
To make the law clearer to employers and raise awareness among employees, the Government will be producing new guidance on workplace dress codes.
For more advice about workplace dress codes please see here.