Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic workplace cultures actively discourage LGBT+ parents from using their rights at work or asking for support. One in five LGBT+ workers feel unable to be out at work with their colleagues, almost a third with their manager and half with customers, for fear of discrimination.
“Stereotypes about family structures together with hostile attitudes and both indirect and direct discrimination create distinct obstacles for LGBT+ parents juggling work with raising a family. LGBT+ parents are more likely to face intrusive scrutiny of their family and care arrangements, experience breaches of confidentiality and have their requests for support refused.
“The role of our union reps is vital, because it can be difficult for LGBT+ parents experiencing discrimination to assert their rights. Reps need to remain alert to the possibility of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse and discrimination in their workplaces and feel confident to challenge stereotyping.
“So we are looking for the TUC and affiliates to take account of the specific concerns and the discrimination facing LGBT+ parents at work and ensure that this continues to be highlighted in our campaigning, bargaining and training work on the issue.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
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