Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “LGBT+ people in Scotland face health inequalities across every measure of wellbeing, with higher levels of exclusion, isolation, discrimination and depression. While there are many positives in of how LGBT+ people experience healthcare, there is still work to be done to improve LGBT+ access to and experience of healthcare. Many LGBT+ people continue to be ‘outed’ without their consent, treated with intrusive curiosity and subject to unequal treatment because of who they are.
 
“Discrimination results in misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatments and can prevent LGBT+ people from seeking help.  This increases their risk of developing ‘chronic’ physical and mental health problems which amongst other things can have a negative impact on their working lives and result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal. We are calling for the Scottish Government to implement the recommendations in the NHS and Public Health Scotland ‘Health Needs Assessment’ report in consultation with unions and LGBT+ led campaigning organisations ”
 
Paddy Lillis continued: “Sexual harassment is not a new issue. It has been on employers’ agendas for decades and since 2017 it has received increased attention in the wake of the #MeToo movement. While sexual harassment can happen to anyone, young women and LGBT+ workers are at particular risk. For LGBT+ people is very often linked to a perception that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans is an invitation to make sexualised comments or ask inappropriate questions their sex life, particularly if an individual is 'out'.
 
“This is a hidden problem with two thirds of LGBT+ workers who are harassed not reporting it and one in four of those who did not report the harassment being silenced by fear of ‘outing’ themselves at work.  Even where it is reported, most current approaches to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace are ineffective and often make things worse.
 
“Unions are crucial to defending LGBT+ workers rights and  we acknowledge the vital role reps play supporting members to report sexual harassment; ensuring appropriate action is taken, and campaigning  to create safe and inclusive workplaces for LGBT+ workers.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 350,000 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 www.usdaw.org.uk
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion