LGBT History Month: is workplace discrimination consigned to the past?

This February,events are hosted all over the UK to celebrate the LGBT community.The finale is the ‘Outing the Past Festival Conference’, held this year in Belfast from Friday 29^th to Sunday 31^st March.

LGBT History Month was founded to celebrate the abolition of Clause 28. Enacted in 1988, Clause 28 made it illegal for Local Authorities to ‘intentionally promote homosexuality’. The legislation had far-reaching effects in schools, colleges and the workplace, preventing the celebration of LGBT+ diversity. Its abolition led the way to a more inclusive and diverse workplace.

VERCIDA works with great employers who promote diversity and inclusion. Search our database here.

Workplace protections for LGBT+people today

The Equality Act (2010) protects against discrimination, harassment or victimisation in employment across nine characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender assignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion
• Sex and sexual orientation

The act defines bullying and harassment as behaviour ’that makes someone feel intimidated or offended’. Examples would be actions such picking on, or regularly undermining, someone and denying someone’s training or promotion opportunities. Legislation of this kind has highlighted the importance of actively promoting inclusive behaviour in the workplace.

Moving to an inclusive and diverse workforce?

The 2018 National LGBT Surveysought to find out about LGBT+ peoples’ experience in the workplace. Most respondentsdidn’t report problems at work, but 1 in 10 had experienced discrimination because they were LGBT+. About 10% of people surveyed said that someone had told another person about their sexual orientation without permission.

Work cultures are changing but if you want to ensure a compatible employer it’s worth checking out their credentials. Better still, start looking for employers who champion diversity. Search VERCIDA’s jobs database to find one.

Checking out employers, promoting diversity and inclusivity

Stonewall’s UK Workplace Equality Index assesses participating organisations’ achievements and progress on LGBT equality. The Top 100 Employers are assessed each year for LGBT inclusiveness. The index sees inclusivity as more than tolerance. It means enabling staff members to bring their whole self to work, which drives better outcomes for employees and organisations.

VERCIDA works with employers committed to values of equality, respect, inclusion, diversity and accessibility.For your next meaningful job hunt check out our database of employers and ensure a healthy and happy working environment.