Gay employee rights updated
Gay charity Stonewall will today launch un updated version of the 2003 employment regulations relating to sexual orientation in the workplace.
The ‘Discrimination at work – it’s so over’ guide is the result of a joint initiative between Stonewall and the Trades Union Congress (TUC.)
Available in English and Welsh, the guide gives employees the basic information they need about the regulations protecting them at work, informs them of their rights and advises what to do if they experience problems.
“It’s vital that everyone has this information” said Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, “We want to help all employees who risk being discriminated against at work, from those denied the benefits available to their straight colleagues to those harassed and bullied simply for being gay.
“Our experience working with employers across the country is that taking fair treatment of all staff seriously can make a key contribution to recruiting and retaining the very best human capital. We’re delighted to have worked with the TUC on this initiative.”
Frances O’Grady, deputy general secretary of the TUC, said “We’re happy to have this opportunity to work with Stonewall on this crucial area of employment law. We’re committed to ensuring this gets the widest possible distribution and reaches all lesbian and gay staff who might benefit from it”.
140,000 copies of the leaflets will be sent out across Britain. They will be distributed through unions to libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, and gay community venues.
