Bras should be exempt from VAT because they are essential for women's health, ... trends now
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Bras should be exempt from VAT as they are essential for women's health, radiographers claim.
Delegates at the Society of Radiographers annual conference will today call on the Treasury to axe the tax, claiming it disproportionately affects women and could be considered discriminatory under the Equality Act.
Diagnostic radiographers carry out X-rays, MRI and CT scans, which can be used to identify the musculoskeletal problems caused by poorly-fitted bras.
Proposing the motion during the three-day conference in Leeds, delegates will say: 'The imposition of VAT on bras disproportionately affects women.
'Taxing bras could be considered discriminatory as per the Equality Act 2010.
Radiographers are calling for bras to be exempt from VAT as they are essential for women's health
Wearing the correct bra could reduce breast pain and musculoskeletal issues caused by large breasts and the NHS advises women women to wear a properly fitted bra
'While there may not be any health conditions related to wearing a bra, there could be some musculoskeletal ones, particularly if you wear a larger cup size.
'Those who are wearing a bra size D or above often get backaches, aching shoulders and neck pain, because of the weight of their breasts.
'Wearing a good-quality, well-fitted bra could alleviate some of these issues, and reduce time off sick for musculoskeletal issues.'
The NHS website says women who suffer from breast pain should 'wear a properly fitted bra during the day and a soft bra to sleep in'.
And the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy advises women: 'Wearing
