Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the law in offering protection to women who are compelled to wear unsuitable footwear at work.

In response to the Report of the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the Petitions Committee on Dress Codes, the Government Equalities Office has assessed the law as it relates to employers requiring their employees to abide by a dress code, including (for women) the need to wear unsuitable footwear. We believe that the direct and indirect discrimination provisions, together with the enforcement arrangements in the Equality Act 2010, offer an effective remedy for employees who are concerned that they are being discriminated against in these situations. The Equality Act 2010 does not ban specific practices, but instead defines unlawful conduct and allows the courts to decide whether such conduct has been proven in any given case.

People with concerns about discriminatory dress codes can contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which provides authoritative and impartial free advice to employees or employers via their website (www.acas.org.uk) and telephone helpline (0300 123 1100).

The Equality Advisory and Support Service also provides bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination problems via the following number: 0808 800 0082 or via text phone: 0808 800 0084.