The UK Government has made an extra effort this week to encourage leaders of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt LGBT equality policies.
Anecdotal evidence gathered by the Government Equalities Office (GEO) suggests that large businesses are more likely to have the resources to adopt impactful policies that promote LGBT equality; and prevent anti-LGBT discrimination. Ministers made it clear this week that they want these practice adopted by SMEs too. They want SMEs to adopt simple practices, such as developing strong support protocols for staff who have suffered harassment; and ensure recruitment practices are based on merit.
So the UK’s Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss, brought together a group of businesses to discuss how SMEs, business groups and individuals can work together to support LGBT people in the workplace effectively; and share best practice. Truss confirmed the government’s commitment to supporting LGBT people in the workplace in a push for everyone to be involved in the Covid-19 recovery effort. Businesses including the British Library, Vieve Protein Water and Federation of Small Businesses attended the event this week to discuss best practice for workplace LGBT inclusivity.
INCLUSION VITAL TO BUILDING BACK BETTER
“There is clearly positive work being done by SMEs and self-employed business leaders to champion LGBT equality in the workplace; and I want to ensure everyone can benefit from this. As we build back better it is vital that everyone is able to contribute,” stated Truss. She believes inclusion is vital to help the country “build back better”. Truss said she wants everyone to be able to “seize opportunities in the workplace without fear of discrimination or harassment”; and for workplaces to “offer an environment where people can thrive”.
The Federation of Small Businesses’ Chief Executive Julie Lilley wholeheartedly agreed. “It’s vital that LGBT+ entrepreneurs and employees can bring their whole selves to their business, and their work. As an SME ourselves, our employees created an LGBT+ Allies scheme that we made part of every new employee’s induction; and is live across our offices and those who work from home,” explained Lilley. “We know from our LGBT+ colleagues and others that this has made us a better workplace, and a better business. We now want to take this further, helping our members and the five-million strong small business community that we represent.”
The UK Government has been supporting measures to tackle workplace discrimination, through resources such as ACAS’ Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment guidance; to ensure that it includes specific examples related to LGBT people.
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