Do we need high heel laws to protect women?

WHILE it appears reasonable that employers should be able to insist on minimum standards of appearance through a dress code, especially for those in jobs dealing with the public, I was surprised by the rejection of new laws that would make it illegal to force women to wear high heels at work. This seems to defy health-and-safety laws. It is surely a matter of common sense that long-term use of high-heeled or pointed toe shoes is likely to lead to chronic and painful foot problems.

MARTIN KEATING, Falkirk. AS SOMEONE who has only come to high heels in midlife, I find demands for more legislation on dress codes to be daft. We choose careers according to our interests and circumstances. We realise these roles have different dress codes for good reasons. A gas engineer dresses for her safety in a dirty environment. A barista on her feet all day wears flats. A sales rep or a beautician wears make-up and high heels, because presentation is important. With a little common sense, high heels should not be a problem: take the trouble to find shoes that fit properly; use a little moisturiser on your feet; and don’t wear them for longer than is necessary. The Government was right to ignore the grievance mongers, who wish to infantilise us.

PENNY PONDERS, Edinburgh.