The TUC has called for employers who insist female staff should wear high heels or slip-on shoes to work, as part of a dress code, to drop these requirements as they can lead to long-term foot and back problems.
The TUC has discovered a number of high-street shops and City institutions do not permit female staff to wear comfortable footwear.
Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: "Heels may look glamorous on the catwalks and on Hollywood stars, but they're not appropriate for day-to-day work wear. These dress codes - apart from being blatantly sexist - can lead to long-term foot and back problems as women are forced to stand or walk around in high heels or ill-fitting footwear."
He added: "Employers should look at encouraging their staff to come to work in comfortable shoes and, where possible, provide the option of sitting down."
Work is no place for killer heels
Employers should not require staff to wear high heels at work.
