New research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive work environments as workplace harassment incidents rise.
In a shocking revelation, more than half (52%) of LGBTQ+ workers report being bullied or harassed at work, according to a new survey conducted by Number Cruncher Politics, for the TUC. This alarming statistic sheds light on the persistent discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.
Some of the key findings revealed that:
- A disturbing 19% of LGBTQ+ employees have faced verbal abuse at work within the last five years.
- More than a quarter (28%) reported encountering derogatory comments or slurs related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- An unsettling 5% of respondents reported experiencing physical violence, threats, or intimidation due to their LGBTQ+ identity.
YOUNG LGBTQ+ WORKERS AT GREATER RISK
The research highlighted that LGBTQ+ workers aged 18-24 are particularly vulnerable, with two-thirds (65%) reporting experiences of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This is significantly higher compared to the 52% reported by the overall sample.
Furthermore, 20% of young LGBTQ+ workers revealed they were bullied explicitly because of their sexual orientation, compared to 11% of workers across all age groups.
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT
The toll of workplace harassment on LGBTQ+ employees is severe, with a profound impact on:
- Mental Health: 38% of those who experienced bullying reported a negative impact on their mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Confidence: 34% said their confidence at work was undermined following these incidents.
- Job Loss: Around 6% of LGBTQ+ workers left their jobs due to the abuse they faced.
UNDER-REPORTING & EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY
Worryingly, only 16% of LGBTQ+ individuals reported the harassment to their employers, with 40% choosing not to tell anyone. Of those who did report, less than half (47%) felt their complaints were taken seriously, indicating a significant gap in employer responses to such issues.
The TUC’s General Secretary Paul Nowak emphasised the need for immediate action: “This new report shines a light on the extent of discrimination LGBT+ workers face in our workplaces. LGBT+ people should be safe and supported at work. Workplace culture clearly needs to change.”
He further urged for legislative reforms: “Ministers must change the law to put the responsibility for preventing harassment on employers, not victims. We need stronger workplace rights to protect all staff from abuse at work.”
THE WAY FORWARD
The TUC supports Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, set to be implemented within the first 100 days of the new government. This bill promises to ban zero-hours contracts, raise the national minimum wage to £15 an hour, and ensure safe and inclusive workplaces for all.
Employers must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Creating inclusive and supportive work environments is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, essential for the well-being and productivity of all employees.
Click here to download a full copy of the report.
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