Nicola Thorp is now stepping to it and fighting back after she claims she was unfairly dismissed for her outfit.
The 27-year-old recounts how on her first day at PwC’s Embankment office in the UK, she donned a pair of work-appropriate flats, but she alleges she was told by a supervisor she must come to work wearing two to four inch heels.
The part-time actress also claims she was “laughed at” when she pointed out the double standards with men being allowed to wear flat shoes.
Standing up for herself, Nicola refused to give in to their demands, and was in-turn sent home without getting paid.
Watch her chat to the BBC in the video player below. Post continues…
Speaking to British paper The Standard, she recalled, “When I arrived on site, I was turned away from work because I was not wearing high heels.”
“I expressed my confusion as to why, and they explained that flat shoes are not part of their dress code for women.”
“The supervisor told me that I would be sent home without pay unless I went to the shop and bought a pair of two to four inch heels. I refused and was sent home.”
Adding, “When I pointed out that my male colleague was allowed to work in flat shoes, and that I felt that I was being discriminated against, I was laughed at. I left feeling upset and confused.”
Heels may look fab, but are they actually practical?
The multi-million dollar corporation have since commented on the issue.
A PwC spokesperson told CNBC that the accountancy firm outsources its receptionists with Portico, a management company, and does not implement a dress policy for them.
“We first became aware of this matter on 10 May some five months after the issue arose. The dress code referenced in the article is not a PwC policy. We are now in discussion with the suppliers about the policy,” an emailed statement read.
Does PwC have Hollywood expectations? After all their accountants Martha Ruiz (L) and Brian Cullinan were chosen to do the final count on the 2016 Oscar ballots.
Standing her ground, Nicola has started an online petition, which has already gained 62,000 signatures.
“I said ‘if you can give me a reason as to why wearing flats would impair me to do my job today, then fair enough,’ but they couldn’t,” she explained to BBC Radio London about why she was so driven to take action.
“I was expected to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms. I said I just won’t be able to do that in heels.”
Sadly, this it’s not just us common folk that feel the heat of beauty standards.
One of Hollywood’s most beautiful and talented stars, Penelope Cruz, felt the brunt of a TV attack for her “ugly feet”.
Watch outrageous TV moment that left us all gobsmacked in the video player below. Post continues…
We imagine fashionista Victoria Beckham will be toeing her support for Nicola.
She recently chatted to The Telegraph, explaining that stilettos may be glamorous but they have no practicality.
“I just can’t do heels any more. At least not when I’m working. I travel a lot. Clothes have to be simple and comfortable,” the former platform-wearing popstar admitted.
Women of the world, tap your heels in agreeance!
You can sign Nicola Thorp’s petition against high heels here
VB leaves her heels for the runway!
