Harassment of transgender workers

Until recently, there was little research examining the level of transgender-related harassment in British workplaces. The Equality Act 2010 significantly strengthened the rights of transgendered workers and, in December 2011, the government launched its first ever transgender action plan. Advancing transgender equality: a plan for action reported research finding that:

• nearly half of transgender employees experience discrimination or harassment in their workplaces;

• 88% of respondents believe that ignorance of transgender issues is the biggest challenge they face in employment; and

• transitioning at work is regarded as one of the most significant trigger points for discrimination.

Research by the Government Equalities Office looking at barriers to transgender-friendly workplaces made the following key findings:

• employers should treat issues of sexual orientation and gender identity separately;

• there is substantial ignorance about transgender and hostility towards transgender people, both in the workplace and wider society, which must be tackled;

• barriers to action include inertia, nervousness, ignorance, a belief that action is not necessary, and prioritising other equality strands;

• generally, employers only take action when one individual is transitioning, offering support on an individual level, as opposed to aiming to make the climate of the whole workplace transgender-equal; and

• barriers are hardest to overcome in male-dominated environments.