Report and Government Response: High Heels and Workplace Dress Codes

The Women and Equalities Committee and the Petitions Committee of the House of Commons published a joint report on high heels and workplace dress codes in January 2017. The Government responded in April 2017.

Maria Miller MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, said:

‘Equality legislation is not sufficient to achieve equality in practice. This petition, and the Committees’ inquiry, have reinforced the need for effective enforcement of legislation and for employers and employees to be aware of their obligations and rights.’

The report called for the Government to take urgent action to improve the effectiveness of the Equality Act in preventing discriminatory practices relating to dress at work. In particular, the Committees urged the Government to introduce guidance and awareness campaigns to improve understanding of the law and workers’ rights, targeted at employers, workers and students.

The Government accepted this recommendation and has undertaken to produce guidance during this summer and to explore other options for raising further awareness of the law on dress codes. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has already run a social media campaign aimed at young women to promote awareness of the law.

The Guardian reported on the findings when the report was published.

Download the full report (pdf).

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