London, September 11: Unisex police uniform trousers in the United Kingdom are at the centre of a growing controversy, with a recent survey uncovering significant discomfort among officers. The survey, conducted by Lancaster University, highlighted widespread issues with the design of these trousers, including complaints of squashed testicles from male officers and fungal infections such as thrush from female officers. The findings point to longstanding design flaws that affect the health and well-being of police personnel.

According to a BBC report, the issues surfaced following an internal survey by the Gwent Police Federation last year, in 2023, which revealed the troubling extent of medical problems linked to the unisex uniforms. Belinda Goodwin of the Police Federation of England and Wales criticised the outdated decision to standardise uniforms, arguing that it disregards the distinct physical needs of men and women. UK: Cops Ram Escaped Cow Causing Chaos on England Streets With Van, Surrey Police Respond After Disturbing Video Surfaces.

Survey Highlights Discomfort and Health Issues with Unisex Uniforms in UK

The Lancaster University survey revealed that the unisex police uniform trousers are poorly suited for both male and female officers. Men reported severe discomfort due to testicles being squeezed by the ill-fitting design, while women experienced recurrent thrush, a common fungal infection exacerbated by the trousers' material and fit. The survey highlighted that these issues stem from a design that fails to account for the different body shapes and sizes of male and female officers, leading to physical discomfort and potential health problems. UK Police Clash With Far-Right Protesters Seeking To Enter Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Rotherham, Thought To Be Housing Asylum Seekers (Watch Video).

Further analysis showed that the trousers' inadequate length from the waistband to the crotch exacerbates these issues, creating a fit that is problematic for officers of all genders. The survey's findings underscore a broader issue with police workwear design, which has been criticised for its lack of investment and attention to the specific needs of the workforce. The results emphasise the urgent need for a redesign of police uniforms to ensure they provide both comfort and functionality to officers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2024 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).