Millions of LGB&T workers still don’t feel safe enough to be out about their sexual orientation or gender identity at work and thousands of these workers will be Usdaw members. This leaflet summarises the legal rights LGB&T members have at work.
Download: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender - Rights at Work (Leaflet 337)
Date Posted: 7 December 2011
As a result of many years of
campaigning by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T)
organisations and Trade Unions, LGB&T workers now enjoy the
same rights at work as their heterosexual (straight) colleagues.
The Equality Act, introduced in October 2010, made it unlawful for
employers to discriminate against someone or harass them for
reasons relating to either their sexual orientation or their gender
identity.
As well as the recent
improvements in legal rights, social attitudes have also
dramatically changed but this doesn’t mean that harassment and
discrimination relating to sexual orientation or gender identity
has disappeared from our workplaces.
The
issues
Whilst Usdaw recognises that
lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender members each have
distinct and separate problems at work, they also share a range of
concerns and experiences. For example, it is common for LGB&T
members to find themselves on the receiving end of harassment and
unfair treatment simply for being who they are. Usdaw LGB&T
members have experienced the following at work:
- Verbal abuse and name calling by colleagues, managers and
customers.
- Graffiti and so called ‘jokes’ about their sexual orientation
or gender identity.
- Being ignored or excluded by colleagues. Outing someone at work
as being either LGB or T without their permission.
- Refused equal access to pensions, parental or adoption leave
and other rights at work.
- Spreading rumours or gossip about someone’s sexual orientation
or gender identity.
- Physical violence.
For further information talk to your Usdaw Rep, get in
touch with your nearest Usdaw
office or contact the Equalities Section:
The Equalities Section
Usdaw
188 Wilmslow Road
Manchester
M14 6LJ
Tel: 0161 224 2804
Alternatively, you can e-mail the Equalities Department and also
join Usdaw
online.
Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender - Rights at Work (Leaflet 337) was correct
at date of publication December 2011.