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Bank of England Orders Its Women Into Heels, Lipstick

When in trouble, male execs turn to makeup

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 1, 2009 7:56 AM CST

(Newser) – The battered Bank of England has ordered its female workers into heels and at the very least lipstick, igniting a firestorm of controversy. The institution, facing one of the worst economic slumps in history, took time out to hold a seminar teaching its women how to look "feminine" without looking like prostitutes, reports the Independent. The orders include toned-down jewelry and perfume, obligatory high heels (maximum two inches), shoes the same color as a skirt and makeup.

Experts say women workers have a legitimate court case for sex discrimination. "It is indicative of an institutionally sexist environment," said one. Observers were outraged not only by the message but that it was delivered by pricey image consultants when the institution can't afford to waste a penny. An analyst called it "appalling" that the Bank of England is "spending our money on these things."  

Apparently now a requirement for women who want to continuing working for the Bank of England.
Apparently now a requirement for women who want to continuing working for the Bank of England.   (©Sugar Sweet Sunshine)
How to get ready to work for the Bank of England.
How to get ready to work for the Bank of England.   (©specialkrb)
These lips are made for working at the Bank of England.
These lips are made for working at the Bank of England.   (©K? .)
What about the guys?
What about the guys?   (©telethon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Feb 3, 2009 1:59 AM CST
I want all the males to be in shape and show their hairy, shirtless chests. Let's have some fairness here. If the men get eye candy, the women ought to also!
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 2:08 AM CST
Dress code is one thing. But for females in this case the line is drawn in too much of a conspicuously sexual way. Its assuming as well as declaring that the women at this bank will have that sexual "eyecandy" role for men. As a man that, of course, translates into looking at her body and being sexually attracted. I call it Brave New World.
sailor86
Jan 31, 2009 9:19 PM CST
I think that this is just what the world needs to fix itself; women objectifying themselves. Heck yeah. The British are beating us to the punch. We gotta catch up.(really, now).

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