When refusing to wear high heels can get you fired on day one—it's a real story that's sparking change. Nicola Thorp, a 27-year-old receptionist, was sent home unpaid from her first shift at London auditing firm PwC for wearing flat shoes. Viewing mandatory heels as a sexist dress code requirement, she launched a petition on the UK Parliament website on May 9, calling for the repeal of outdated and discriminatory policies. It has now surpassed 126,000 signatures.
Thorp first sought help from an employee support group, but was advised that employers can set and enforce their own dress codes.
She recounted her ordeal to the Evening Standard: "When I arrived, I was forbidden to work because I wasn't wearing heels. I expressed surprise, and they explained flats weren't part of the women's dress code." She continued: "The supervisor said I'd be sent home without pay unless I bought shoes with 5-10 cm heels. I refused, and they dismissed me."
With over 126,000 signatures, the petition has crossed the threshold to potentially trigger a parliamentary debate, where Thorp could present her case directly.
