Down with high heels, says TUC

Employers should not ask their staff to wear 'inappropriate' footwear at work, unions have said.

The TUC reserved particular criticism for 'big city institutions and upmarket shops', some of which demand that employees wear slip-on shoes and high heels.

"Heels may look glamorous on the catwalks and on Hollywood stars, but they're not appropriate for day-to-day work wear," commented TUC secretary general Brendan Barber.

"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."

The call came as the TUC released a guide to Working Feet and Footwear, which includes guidance on health and safety regulations.

Business groups including the British Retail Consortium and Confederation of British Industry have responded to the report by emphasising that dress codes should be drawn up by individual firms, in consultation with their workforce.