Survey will examine LGBT workers’ experience


The TUC has launched a major new survey into how lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people find working life in the UK.


Despite changes in the law that should have brought an end to discrimination and prejudice, the TUC is concerned that LGBT people are still experiencing difficulties at work.


In 2013, LGBT rights charity Stonewall reported that one in four (26%) LGBT employees were not at all open with colleagues about their sexual orientation. And according to recruitment website Totaljobs, more than half (53%) of trans workers have also felt the need to hide their status from colleagues.


Meanwhile, lesbian and bisexual woman may be at risk of sexual harassment as well as homophobic abuse. TUC research into sexual harassment found that more than half (52%) of women said they have experienced sexual harassment at work.


In light of this, the TUC is investigating the experiences of LGBT people at work. It will use its findings to campaign on the issues affecting LGBT people as well as to produce training material for union reps. 


The TUC will also use the research to help employers create a more inclusive work environment — including training for staff, getting the correct policies in place to prevent discrimination, and supporting LGBT staff if things go wrong.


The deadline for participating in the survey is Friday 5 May.


www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LGBTworker