Unions leaders slate government on LGBT+ rights
Leaders from across the UK trade union movement have signed an open letter to equalities minister Liz Truss criticising the government for scrapping its LGBT Action Plan and disbanding its LGBT Advisory Panel.
The letter states: “We urge you to consult with unions on a strategy to make sure workplaces are safe for all LGBT+ people. As a minimum, the government should introduce a new duty on employers to protect workers from harassment by customers and clients.
It should also create a specific duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment. And it should reinstate employment tribunals’ powers to make wider recommendations to employers, to root out systemic failings and cultures of bullying and harassment.
We call for the recruitment of a new LGBT Advisory Panel, with a clear mandate and trade union representation.
We add our voices to those calling for an immediate ban on all forms of conversion therapy, and for a simplified, free, statutory gender-recognition process, based on self-declaration.
We look to the government not only to promote equality and eliminate discrimination against LGBT+ people but also to take a principled lead in building an inclusive culture in words and deeds that supports LGBT+ people’s safety, dignity and equality so that LGBT+ people can thrive and live authentically.”