because they'd have seen her and they'd be the ones talking to her
She was at the PwC office.
Temp companies don't keep managers at every client location.
Finance firm PwC accused of sexism over high heels row.
- Thread starter Jamesyboyjim
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She was at the PwC office.
Temp companies don't keep managers at every client location.
I disagree. Yes there is regulation but no it does not cover this. I don't see it as a loophole either, it's just a legitimate company policy. Also, you tend to agree that it's ok for strippers to wear heels because it comes with the territory but as far as I'm concerned it's a double standard. If you want to make this sort of thing regulation, it has to be the same for all business. Also not that it's anything to do with this thread, but your judgemental view of strippers and their clientele is rather short sighted.
I don't believe this is a temp worker at an office. I believe this is PwC outsourcing the operation. I would in fact be surprised if the outsourcing company didn't have management at the client location as this will be one of PwC's flagship offices (I think it is anyway).
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Usually as much as I am to post saying oh look woman kicking off again about some non issue. I agree.
I'd hate to walk around in those torture devices all day.
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LOL, my thoughts exactly, plus she could have decided if the dress code was suitable for her plates of meat and spine, before taking the job. Sounds like a professional claimant in the making to me.
There didn't use to be regulation preventing discrimination on gender, racial etc grounds either.
Nor is it double standards. If you check out existing discrimination legislation, you will find there are broad principles which apply, but exceptions for when something is inherent in the nature of the job. For example, requiring a job applicant to be female when the job involves gender privacy, like a swimming pool changing room attendant. Or on religious grounds, like requiring a catholic priest to actually be catholic. Exceptions to discrimination law apply when it is inherent in the nature of the job.
It might be pushing it to expect legislation to be amended directly over high heels, but if it goes to court, it's certainly possible precedent court be set by judges interpreting existing law.
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It seems quite clear that it's nothing to do with PwC:
The entire reception operation will be run by a third party.
Ah okay. I suppose that's a strong possibility.
The original BBC article did call her a temp, so I didn't think the entire front of house was outsourced.
Very surprised it is organised that way. If PwC have no oversight of the entire front of house operation, how are they ensuring a suitable level of service and security. The latter point is particularly important given the nature of the organisation.
Deleted member 66701
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As much as I love the sight of a woman in a nice pair of high heels (my wife probably has 20+ pairs of 4"+ heels inc Louboutins, Jimmy Choos etc), I find the idea of a company having a policy mandating the wearing of them abhorrent.
ref: security I'd wager that is outsourced too, especially if in a shared building
this could easily just be reception for some meeting rooms on a particular floor... these temp workers simply being required to escort clients and fetch drinks
for all you know there could be a different reception downstairs run by pwc or building management (if a shared building) and different receptions on each floor with just a suite of meeting rooms run by the outsourcing company
like I'd assume that say a floor with the executive offices would have its own receptioists/PAs, even R&D had its own reception at the last large firm I worked at, wasn't a client facing floor but we still had a girl manning the desk by the lifts to liaise with building management and in house office/facilities management, deal with the post etc..
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Why?
They obviously have oversight but oversight doesn't include permanently stationing a member of PWC staff in the lobby to watch every interaction between the front of house staff, does it?
It doesn't sound she like she made a complaint to PWC at all, let alone at the time.
Deleted member 66701
Deleted member 66701
Because for many women they are painful and extremely uncomfortable to wear and have the potential to cause short and long term damage to health. Nothing you do at work, including wearing certain clothing, should put your health or at risk or cause you pain.
There is no reasonable justification that can be given for insisting female employees wear heels instead of flat shoes whilst at work.
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They will have a service contract, and there will be spot checks.
I'm willing to bet most support roles will be outsourced by PwC including reception, security, catering, IT support, cleaning, maintenance etc.
What if the position requires certain aesthetics?