The Royal College of Podiatry calls for change at the TUC Congress

The Royal College of Podiatry took to the stage at this year’s TUC Congress to talk about the inequality that exists in footwear in football, particularly concerning the women’s game and the health consequences female players suffer as a result.

Sue Pike, Chair of the College’s Employment Support Committee, and a member of its Council, addressed the Congress floor on Tuesday morning (12 September).

The College’s involvement had started two days earlier on Sunday afternoon (10 September), when its Head of Employment Relations and Professional Support and a member of the TUC’s General Council, Martin Furlong, spoke to support a motion debating Pay Review Bodies, the independent groups set up to review and make recommendations on NHS Pay to governments.

Martin’s appearance was followed by a speech the following morning (11 September) by Anwar Ali, one of the College’s Employment Relations Officers, who supported a motion about the effects of long working hours on health workers and the inevitable burnout as a result.

The TUC Congress closes on Wednesday (13 September). The College’s time in Liverpool ended on a high with the news that Martin retains his place on the TUC’s General Council, winning re-election again. This means that the College keeps its seat on the TUC’s decision-making body.

Members were invited to follow the proceedings from this year’s TUC Congress on the College’s social media channels, which have been chronicling its appearances throughout. The Podiatrist will have a full report from this year’s Congress in the November/December issue.

You can watch coverage of this year’s TUC Congress, including all of the speeches, on-demand on the TUC’s website.