She added: “When I pointed out that my male colleague was allowed to work in flat shoes, and that I felt that I was being discriminated against, I was laughed at. I left feeling upset and confused.”
Ms Thorp, who is originally from Blackpool, was employed by corporation reception services provider Portico in between acting roles after graduating from drama school.
Ms Thorp said she called an employment rights helpline for advice but was told that employers have the right to impose a formal dress code in the workplace.
“I started this petition because I was outraged that in 2016, employers still have the right to make women wear heels against their will in the workplace,” she said
“A woman deserves the choice to wear smart heels or smart flats, whichever is more comfortable or practical for work.”
The petition demands that the government "make it illegal for a company to require women to wear high heels at work".
It has gained more than 2,000 signatures since its launch, with supporters taking to social media to raise awareness of Ms Thorp's case.
A spokeswoman for PwC said: “PwC outsources its front of house/reception services to a third party supplier. We first became aware of this matter on 10 May some five months after the issue arose. The dress code referenced in the article is not a PwC policy. We are now in discussion with the suppliers about the policy."
A Portico spokeswoman said: “In line with industry standard practice, we have personal appearance guidelines across many of our corporate locations. These policies ensure staff are dressed consistently and include recommendations for appropriate style of footwear for the role.”
