Essential item: Britain calls for bra tax to be abolished

>> Britain wants bras to be recognized as a basic necessity/freepik

Bras are a basic necessity and should not be taxed. That's what radiologists in Great Britain think.

The tax disproportionately affects women and could be considered discriminatory under the Equality Act, delegates from the Society of Radiologists said at their annual conference on Tuesday, writes The Telegraph .

Diagnostic radiologists perform X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans that can be used to identifying musculoskeletal problems caused by ill-fitting bras.

Putting forward the proposal at the three-day conference in Leeds, delegates will say: “VAT on bras disproportionately affects women. Taxation bras can be considered discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010”.

Although wearing a bra may not cause any health-related ailments, there may be some musculoskeletal problems, especially if you wear a larger cup size. Those who wear a D bra size or above, often experience pain in the back, ache in the shoulders and neck due to the weight of the chest. png” alt=”Essential item: in Britain calls to remove taxes on bras” />

Doctors pay attention to the right bra/Photo freepik

Wearing a quality, well-fitting bra can alleviate some of these problems and reduce the time you spend on sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems.

Delegates likened bras to menstrual aids as an essential item that should not be subject to VAT.

In January, VAT on menstrual panties was abolished after a two-year campaign by brands, retailers, women's groups and environmentalists until 2021. when the so-called “tampon tax” was removed from other menstrual products such as pads, tampons and menstrual cups.
The 20 percent tax on menstrual panties, which are designed to be worn as an alternative to using tampons and sanitary napkins, remained , as they were classified as clothing.

Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery – mastectomy, partial mastectomy or lumpectomy – are exempt from paying VAT on the purchase of certain bras.