More Than Half of LGBTQIA+ Workers Have Been Bullied at Work

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05 September 2024

A new poll from the TUC shows that more than half of LGBTQIA+ workers surveyed have been bullied or harassed at work.

Around 1,000 LGBTQIA+ people who have worked in the UK over the last five years were asked about the prevalence of verbal abuse and physical violence in their workplace, and if they had been subjected to unfair treatment.

Around one in five (19 per cent) LGBTQIA+ people had been exposed to verbal abuse at work in the last five years. 28 per cent said they had homophobic, biphobic or transphobic remarks directed at them or made in their presence. One teacher commented that they had been asked how they “have sex” in the staff room and was told by a headteacher that “no one would ever say it, but if you look like a lesbian, you’re not going to get a job in a primary school”. 

In terms of impact, four in 10 (38 per cent) who had experienced bullying said that it had had a negative impact on their mental health, leaving them feeling more stressed, anxious or depressed. Around one in 16 (6 per cent) left their job because of the abuse they experienced at work. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  “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. But instead, they’re experiencing shockingly high levels of bulling and harassment – including assault.   

“Workplace culture clearly needs to change. No one should think that a colleague being LGBT+ means it’s ok to make discriminatory comments or ask them inappropriate questions – let alone carry out serious acts of assault. 

“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. Good, secure jobs are essential to building a motivated, healthy workforce – and are what every worker deserves.”

Picture: a photograph of three people seated at a table at a work meeting. There are papers and notebooks on the table. Only one person is facing the camera, with a serious expression on their face. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 05 September 2024

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