Over half a million LGBTQ+ workers in the UK have experienced workplace bullying, discrimination, or harassment, according to a stark new warning from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The union has published fresh analysis based on the most recent data, revealing that an estimated 558,500 LGBTQ+ employees have suffered mistreatment at work. The TUC says this mistreatment is “pervasive” across British workplaces. Alarmingly, the report also finds that nearly 300,000 LGBTQ+ workers feel more at risk of bullying and harassment specifically due to their identity.
MOST COMMON FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION
The survey commissioned by the TUC highlights the varied and persistent nature of abuse faced by LGBTQ+ employees. It found that:
- 37% of LGBTQ+ workers said they were subjected to offensive jokes or banter.
- 28% experienced homophobic, bi-phobic or transphobic remarks.
- 19% endured verbal abuse, including name-calling, either directly or toward others.
- 16% reported invasive or humiliating questioning about their LGBTQ+ identity.
- 14% said they had seen offensive literature, music or images about LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.
This abuse came not just from colleagues, but also from clients, customers, patients and members of the public encountered through work.
WORKPLACE BULLYING RIFE
The data shows that more than half of LGBTQ+ employees (around 537,000 people) say bullying, discrimination, and harassment are among the biggest problems they face at work. With the Employment Rights Bill recently completing committee stage in the House of Lords, the TUC is pushing for swift implementation.
The survey shows the bill’s harassment protections are overwhelmingly popular. In fact, 78% of UK voters support the requirement for employers to prevent third-party harassment.
PROTECTIONS IN EMPLOYMENTS RIGHTS BILL
The TUC is urging the government to pass the Employment Rights Bill, which includes key legal protections for over one million LGBTQ+ workers. Among its provisions is a clause that would require employers to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent harassment from third parties – such as customers, patients or clients.
“This will be an important step towards putting an end to the widespread mistreatment LGBTQ+ people experience at work,” said TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak. “No one should face bullying, harassment or discrimination at work.
But far too many LGBTQ+ workers are reporting that this is their everyday experience. It’s time to stamp out this pervasive mistreatment. LGBTQ+ workers deserve dignity and respect like every other worker does. That’s why the Government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important. It will introduce sensible changes like a duty on employers to protect workers from harassment by customers or patients.”
The TUC warns that the cost of inaction is high – both for the dignity of LGBTQ+ workers and for inclusive workplace cultures. “It’s time to stamp out this pervasive mistreatment. LGBTQ+ workers deserve dignity and respect like every other worker does,” concluded Nowak.
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