- Poorly fitting bras could cause health problems, radiologists say
Bras should be exempt from VAT because they are essential for women’s health, radiologists say.
Delegates at the Society of Radiographers’ annual conference will today call on the Treasury to scrap the tax, claiming it disproportionately affects women and could be considered discriminatory under the Equality Act.
Diagnostic radiologists perform x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, which can be used to identify musculoskeletal problems caused by poorly fitting 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 under the Equality Act 2010.
Radiologists call for bras to be exempt from VAT because they are essential for women’s health
Wearing the right bra could reduce breast pain and musculoskeletal problems caused by large breasts and the NHS advises women to wear a well-fitting bra
“Although there may not be any health problems related to wearing a bra, there could be some musculoskeletal problems, especially if you wear a larger cup size.
‘Those who wear a bra size D or larger often suffer from back, shoulder and neck pain due to the weight of their breasts.
“Wearing a good quality, well-fitting bra could alleviate some of these problems and reduce time off work due to musculoskeletal problems.”
The NHS website says that women who suffer from breast pain should “wear a well-fitting bra during the day and a soft bra to sleep.”
And the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy advises women: “Wearing the right size bra will mean you look great, are well supported and avoid unnecessary discomfort.”
‘It is important to check your bra size annually and make changes if necessary.
‘Many department stores offer a professional bra fitting service. Use these services to find the right bra for you.
“Taking active steps to ensure you wear the right bra for your size and shape, and when you exercise, will help you look great and maintain good postural health.”
Delegates at the SoR conference will compare bras to menstrual products as a necessity and therefore should not be subject to VAT.
In January, VAT was removed from menstrual pants following a two-year campaign by brands, retailers, women’s groups and environmentalists dating back to 2021, when the so-called “tampon tax” was removed from other menstrual products. such as sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups.
A 20 percent tax on menstrual pants, which are designed to be used as an alternative to using tampons and sanitary pads, remained in place because they were classified as clothing.
Women who have had breast cancer surgery, whether a mastectomy, partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, are exempt from VAT on the purchase of certain bras.
Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, a leading expert in breast biomechanics and health at the University of Portsmouth, highlighted that some sports bras now cost more than £100 and said the proposal is a great idea.
She added: “It is vital that women use appropriate breast support on a daily basis to protect the health of their breasts; furthermore, it is even more important in sporting situations where the G forces acting on the breasts may be greater than those a woman experiences.” F1 driver.
“I think the high cost with the addition of VAT may prevent women from purchasing suitable bras and may also make women more reluctant to replace their bras regularly.” VAT is the UK’s third largest tax and is expected to raise £176 billion in 2024/25.
A spokesperson for HM Treasury said any request for new VAT relief should be seen in the context of the more than £50 billion of VAT relief requests the Government has received since the EU referendum.
They added: “Bras worn by women recovering from breast cancer surgery are already exempt, but VAT is applied to most goods and services, generating funding for the country’s public services.”