MPs to debate whether women should be forced to wear heels at work
A BID to make it illegal for companies to require women to wear high heels at work will be debated by MPs in less than two weeks' time, the Government has said.
An e-petition called on ministers to outlaw workplace dress codes that require women to wear heels
An e-petition which received more than 150,000 signatures calling on ministers to outlaw such workplace dress code rules so that women can wear flat, formal shoes if they want to, will be discussed on March 6.
The petition labels current formal work dress codes as "out-dated and sexist".
Commons Leader David Lidington confirmed the debate will take place in Westminster Hall as he told MPs on Thursday the scheduled parliamentary business for the weeks ahead.
Some 152,000 people backed Miss Thorp's call
Company dress codes must be reasonable and must make equivalent requirements for men and women
The petition was launched by London receptionist Nicola Thorp who was sent home from work after refusing to wear high heels.
Some 152,000 people backed Miss Thorp's call and the petition prompted the Petitions Committee and Women and Equalities Committee to conduct a joint review of workplace dress codes.
Nicola Thorp was sent home from work after refusing to wear high heels
The report found examples of female employees being told to dye their hair blonde, wear revealing outfits and to constantly reapply make-up.
The Government has already responded to the petition.
The debate will take place in Westminster Hall
In a statement it said: "Company dress codes must be reasonable and must make equivalent requirements for men and women.
"This is the law and employers must abide by it."