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Is my boss allowed to ask me to wear high heels to work?

Career Clinic: A recent survey found 86% of women had felt pressure over their appearance at work

Is my boss allowed to ask me to wear high heels to work?
Photo: iStock

My boss has told me to wear high heels and more make up at work; he said that it will help me keep my clients. Is it OK for him to ask me to do this?

The current position on dress codes under UK employment law is relatively clear: an employer is allowed to impose a dress code on its employees. But usually this will be put in place for health and safety reasons, or to promote a particular image, for example, of smartness and efficiency. So as long as everyone is treated in the same way, then a dress code is fine.

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