Business flats are probably one of the greatest inventions to date. We should all be able to look professional and presentable without wanting to cut our feet off at the end of the work day!
Unfortunately, some people do not see the beauty in this. According to Cosmopolitan, a woman in London showed up to her first day of work as a receptionist in “smart, black flats” and was promptly sent home, without pay, for “refusing to change into the dress code-required 2- to 4-inch heels.”
Nicola Thorp, the women in question, told the BBC that when she pointed out that the male receptionists were not wearing heels (a pretty incredible response under pressure!), she was merely laughed at for making such a ridiculous statement.
Furthermore, when Thorp asked if they were able to provide her with a reason that proved wearing flats would impair her to do her job, they failed to answer.
“I was expected to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms. I said ‘I just won’t be able to do that in heels’,” Thorp told the BBC.
Although the incident happened several months ago, Thorp has recently felt comfortable enough to come forwards about the sexism that she encountered in the workplace. She states that it is not the company itself that is at fault, but the law that allowed for the sexist regulations to be legal. She has now launched an online petition that aims for the government to take action and make it illegal for companies to force employees to wear high heels at work.
“Current formal work dress codes are out-dated and sexist,” reads the petition description.
Thorp told the BBC, “I think dress codes should reflect society and nowadays women can be smart and formal and wear flat shoes.” This could not be any truer. We can only hope that Thorp’s efforts are rewarded and that this outlandish and sexist rule is changed in the near future.