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<p>In response to the Report of the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the
Petitions Committee on Dress Codes, the Government Equalities Office has assessed
the law as it relates to employers requiring their employees to abide by a dress code,
including (for women) the need to wear unsuitable footwear. We believe that the direct
and indirect discrimination provisions, together with the enforcement arrangements
in the Equality Act 2010, offer an effective remedy for employees who are concerned
that they are being discriminated against in these situations. The Equality Act 2010
does not ban specific practices, but instead defines unlawful conduct and allows the
courts to decide whether such conduct has been proven in any given case.</p><p>People
with concerns about discriminatory dress codes can contact the Advisory, Conciliation
and Arbitration Service (Acas), which provides authoritative and impartial free advice
to employees or employers via their website (<a href="http://www.acas.org.uk" target="_blank">www.acas.org.uk</a>)
and telephone helpline (0300 123 1100).</p><p>The Equality Advisory and Support Service
also provides bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination
problems via the following number: 0808 800 0082 or via text phone: 0808 800 0084.</p>
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