Claim unisex police trousers cause squashed testicles
Unisex police uniform trousers are leaving officers in discomfort, with men complaining of squashed testicles and women saying they cause thrush.
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A small internal survey carried out by Gwent Police Federation last year reported the medical issues linked to police trousers, Belinda Goodwin from the Police Federation of England and Wales said.
It led to a national police uniform and equipment survey by Lancaster University which has just concluded, she added.
The researchers said the evidence of poor workwear designs was "widespread across various emergency service occupations".
"We've been aware of these issues surrounding unisex uniform for quite a few years," Ms Goodwin said.
She believes the decision to make uniforms unisex was an "old-fashioned" cost-saving measure, rather than a "woke" decision to provide the same uniform for men and women.
"It's almost like no one thought 'oh actually, women are a different shape and size to men'," she said.
The trousers do not come in high street sizes and are problematic for both men and women because the trousers are too short from the waistband to the crotch.
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"They just don't fit properly," Ms Goodwin said.
"There's no real emphasis on investment in uniform, she added.
"It's almost like a forgotten piece of policing whereas we see it as a federation as what you stand for," she added.
"When I put my uniform on, it represents who I am. It tells members of the public what I stand for," Ms Goodwin said.
She also highlighted the mental health benefits of wearing uniform that fits properly and believes it has an effect on morale.
"It's about you feeling valued within your work," she said. "It's got a massive effect on your physical wellbeing but also your mental wellbeing."
She hopes the results of a new survey will allow for a bigger uniform budget and an improvement for both male and female police officers.
Gwent Police said it did not comment on police federation matters.
credit: BBC