Women workers 'told to wear lipstick and high heels'

Female employees of the Bank of England were advised to wear lipstick and high heels to the office, according to a leaked memo.

The memo followed a 'Dress for Success' seminar provided for the Bank by an image consultancy firm. It apparently advised against wearing certain items - such as white high heels or ankle chains - on the grounds that they looked "professional, but not the one you want to be associated with".

Other accessories to avoid included excessive jewellery and overstuffed bags.

The memo advised women to always wear heels - though no more than 2 inches high - and said that make-up was essential, with lip stick constituting a bare minimum.

However, a spokesperson said that the Bank of England did not pay for the lunch break seminar, and confirmed that the advice did not amount to a dress code for employees.

Karen Gill, co-founder of everywoman.com - which provides training and support services for women in business - told More Than Business News that stereotyping how men and women should dress is not relevant to today's workplace.

"I think what's important is that both men and women are trying to become good leaders, and good leaders in organisations need to have a certain presentation," she added.

"The idea that women should wear lipstick and high heels is taking us back 35 years.

"It's not going to help you do business any better."

IMAGE Ian West