A podiatrist has used the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Liverpool to highlight the problem of some female employees not being allowed to wear ‘sensible shoes’ at work.

Lorraine Jones from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists told delegates that high-heeled shoes place seven times as much pressure on the ball of the foot as flat-heeled shoes. Despite this, cabin crew, female shop workers and female employees in other professions are often called upon to wear high heels at work.

ITN News reports that experts fear the practice may lead to women damaging not only their feet, but also sustaining long-term injury to their knees.

The TUC has been debating whether to call for a ban on women having to wear high heels at work.

Loraine Monk – a university and college union delegate from Nescot College in Epsom, Surrey – has opposed the move, saying that the TUC should ‘stop telling women what to do’.

Podiatrist Lorraine Jones said:

‘This is not a trivial problem – two million working days are lost every year through lower limb and foot-related problems. Women should have a choice of wearing healthier, more comfortable shoes.’

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