Learning lessons from... the crackdown on sexist dress codes

A Parliamentary inquiry launched into sexist dress codes at work is has resulted in pressure for existing laws banning sexist dress codes to be more readily enforced.

Following temporary receptionist Nicola Thorp being sent home from PwC without pay last year for failing to wear high heels, a subsequent petition which received more than 152,000 signatures, triggered an inquiry by the Women and Equalities Committee.

Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said: "In a modern business, it's simply wrong, and frankly antiquated, that any woman should be made to follow a dress code telling them how to look in a way that would never be asked of men.

"The height of my heels has no relevance to how good I am at my job. We are looking for test cases which will bring this issue to the national attention."