Up to 11 million UK workers could face serious health problems from prolonged standing in the workplace, the TUC has warned.
The TUC said a survey of UK unions' national safety officers had found widespread problems caused by standing at work.
Unions representing workers such as teachers, warehouse staff and casino workers reported standing-related health problems experienced by their members.
Every year over two million sick days are lost due to lower limb disorders, with nearly 200,000 people reporting lower limb
ailments caused or made worse by their job.
Workers who spend most of the working day on their feet are at risk of work-related varicose veins, poor circulation and swelling in the feet and legs, foot problems, joint damage, heart and circulatory problems and pregnancy difficulties, the TUC said.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "It's quite incredible that some staff today would be better off under Victorian working conditions. Simple adjustments to the way millions of people work will save countless sick days each year and stop British workers from, in some cases, dying on their feet."
