One in two LGBTQ+ people say they are bullied or harassed at work, new research suggests.
A survey of 1,000 LGBTQ+ people by the Trades Union Congress indicated that one in five of those surveyed had been exposed to verbal abuse at work in the last five years.
More than a quarter of respondents said they had homophobic, biphobic or transphobic remarks directed at them or made in their presence.
One in 20 told the TUC they had experienced physical violence, threats or intimidation at work because of their sexual orientation.
The union organisation said it was not surprising that nearly three in 10 LGBTQ+ people keep their sexual orientation a secret at work.
The survey found that on every measure, young LGBTQ+ workers aged between 18 and 24 are experiencing higher levels of discrimination at work.
Layla, a teacher, shared her experience of being asked about ‘how she has sex’ by her colleagues in the staff room.
The impact
She said: ‘Even before I was out to anyone, my headteacher said to me “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”.
‘People don’t guess that I’m gay, so I hear the homophobia all the time. I just can’t believe it.’
Vee previously worked in hospitality, and said she was abused verbally and racially for her LGBTQ+ status.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: ‘This new report shines a light on the extent of discrimination LGBT+ workers face in our workplaces.
‘LGBTQ+ people should be safe and supported at work, but instead, they’re experiencing shockingly high levels of bullying and harassment – including assault.’
Mr Nowak added: ‘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.’
Only 16% of those bullied and harassed reported the harassment to their employers, and just 25% told a colleague.
A staggering 20% who complained said their complaint was ignored – and another 12% said their complaint simply wasn’t believed.
A Stonewall Spokesperson said: ‘Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and should expect their employers to take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. It’s unacceptable that in 2024, people are still being abused in the workplace simply because of who they are and who they love.
‘We know that fully inclusive workplaces lead to happier, more motivated and more productive employees. Inclusivity benefits everyone and it’s a sad reality that in modern Britain, LGBTQ+ people still often feel the need to hide their identity from those they work with.
‘We are proud to support hundreds of organisations that are committed to building inclusive workplaces and ensuring that all employees can thrive. However, there is clearly much to be done until every LGBTQ+ person feels safe to be openly themselves in all aspects of their lives.’
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