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Female students who feel pressured to wear high heels to their part-time workplace due to their employer's dress code could be interested to hear one union is calling for such rules to be stamped out of the workplace.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) this week hit out at what it calls "inappropriate requirements" dubbing them "sexist" and claiming they lead to long-term injuries.

According to the new TUC guide - entitled Working Feet - that though many organisations allow their staff to wear healthy and safe footwear, a number of big city institutions and upmarket shops insist female staff who deal with the public are forced to wear either slip-on shoes or high heels.

This, the union claims, can lead to long-term damage and foot problems, especially when combined with prolonged standing.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said during the research he was surprised how many dress codes did not permit the wearing of comfortable, sensible footwear.

"Heels may look glamorous on the catwalks and on Hollywood stars, but they're not appropriate for day-to-day work wear. These dress codes - apart from being blatantly sexist - can lead to long-term foot and back problems as women," he added.

The TUC claims to be the voice of Britain at work with more than 58 affiliated unions it represents nearly seven million people.

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