Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says: “Trans Awareness Week is all about raising the visibility of transgender and non-binary people and remembering those who have lost their lives due to transphobic violence. The most recent Home Office figures show that transphobic hate crime rose by 16% on the previous year. Far too many trans and non-binary workers continue to experience hostility, stigma and unfair treatment just for being themselves in work. A TUC study found that half of trans workers experience bullying and harassment just for trying to do their jobs. As a result many trans and non-binary people feel they have to hide their identity at work.
 
“Usdaw reps make a real difference to trans member’s lives at work. Reps around the country are providing support for members transitioning at work, making sure employers are aware of trans workers’ rights and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity at work. They stand up for workers facing discrimination and make sure workplaces are safe and inclusive for everyone. Everyone has the right to be themselves at work. Usdaw is committed to calling out transphobia and standing with our trans and non-binary members, colleagues and friends as active trans allies. This weekend we sent out messages of support and solidarity as well as highlighted the guidance Usdaw offers to reps and members.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
Usdaw leaflet Changing Gender - Understanding the Issues: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=583a064c-3b9a-4b7f-9b76-5306871415c3
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion