In their “Breaking the Cycle” report, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation identified workplace discrimination, bullying and harassment directed at lgbt people as issues which need to be addressed.
- Direct discrimination in recruitment is often reported by transgender candidates for employment.
- The transitioning stages for transgender employees are frequently handled badly by employers and is seen as a particular time of risk by trans employees, and can result in significant financial impact.
- Few key figures in organisations actually come out as lgbt. If they did, more members of the workforce might feel confident enough to do the same.
- There is a fear that declaring one’s sexuality will blight future promotion prospects. How may lgb people are succeeding in their jobs but at the price of hiding their sexuality?
- Homophobia in the workplace still goes largely unreported, suggesting that people are still not comfortable drawing attention to such activity at work. Reasons suggested are: ‘It would not be taken seriously.’ ‘I don’t know who to report it to.’ ‘The possible reprisals are not worth it.’
The “Breaking the Cycle” report makes the following recommendations:
- All employers must ensure that workplaces are safe and free from harassment for all employees. This should include a pro-active approach to equality for lgbt people.
- All employers should publicly display a statement within the workplace that discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the workplace.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
In the workplace - is this your experience?
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