MPs say employers with sexist dress codes should now be faced with 'substantial fines'
About time, too


About time, too
When jobbing actress Nicola Thorp was sent home form temp work as a receptionist at PwC for not wearing heels, she caused a national outcry when she asked how a company could get away with having a demanding dress code for women.
Their policy demands female employees to wear heels between two and four inches. Were the male employees expected to do the same? No. In fact, her question was only replied to with a raucous laugh.
An online parliamentary petition and 150,000 signatures later and MPs have finally taken notice. Now, a report entitled 'High Heels and Workplace Dress Codes' has come from the committee for Petitions and for Women and Equalities.
'This may have started over a pair of high heels,' Nicola Thorp has stated, 'but what it has revealed about discrimination in the UK workplace is vital, as demonstrated by the hundreds of women who came forward via the committees' online forum. The current system favours the employer, and is failing employees.'
Technically, the Equality Act 2010 should see any discriminatory dress rules at work outrightly banned but it's obviously not worked in protecting women.
Helen Jones MP, chair of the Petitions Committee, has said: 'The way that Nicola Thorp was treated by her employer is against the law, but that didn't stop her being sent home from work without pay. And, it's clear from the stories we've heard from members of the public that Nicola's story is far from unique.'
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Now, after realising how widespread these experiences are, MPs are saying that employers who make women wear heels, tight clothing or make-up at work should be fined.
Gender equality charity, The Fawcett Society, have stated that 'this also affects women at the top of public life as we have seen from headlines since Theresa May became prime minister. Having a society where it is normal to judge women in their professional life by their appearance and their shoes is not just ridiculous but demeans women who reach the top of their careers, and limits women’s participation in politics.'
And, now it seems that the general consensus is that gender neutral dress codes need to become the norm to move away from discrimination in the UK workplace.
-
Move over beachy waves, pretty, precise and poised hair is making a comeback—here's how to get the look
It's giving 2025 'Princess Diaries'
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Women Who Win: Catherine Jobling on taking risks, the power of being present, and knowing when to walk away
The COO of AllSaints tells Penny Goldstone how a leap of faith paid off
By Penny Goldstone
-
Craving a holiday? Transport yourself across the globe with these 7 escapist perfumes
Visit Morocco and Australia through scent
By Nicola Bonn