LGBT employees face discrimination and bullying

New research from Stonewall Scotland reveals troubling reports of negative conduct and discrimination in Scotland’s workplaces.

The report, based on YouGov research of 799 LGBT employees across Scotland, found that an astonishing 36 per cent of LGBT people at work have hidden their identity because they were afraid of discrimination; a figure that rises to over half of trans people (58 per cent).

Workplace bullying continues to be a serious problem for LGBT people. One in six (16 per cent) have been the target of negative comments or conduct from work colleagues in the last year because they are LGBT.

Trans staff tend to experience higher levels of negative comments or conduct, with two in five experiencing it from colleagues (39 per cent). 6 per cent have been physically attacked by customers or colleagues in the last year because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Stonewall Scotland is calling for employers to develop zero-tolerance policies on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic discrimination and harassment, alongside communicating clear routes to report anti-LGBT bullying.

The charity is also calling for employers to take an active role in supporting trans staff by running awareness sessions for all employees on trans inclusion and developing a transitioning at work policy.

You can read the full report here.

 

 

Image credit: CJF20, Flickr