New legislation protecting trans staff given green light

434

The City Corporation has adopted a new gender identity policy following a widespread public survey.

Members of the authority’s policy and resources committee have green lit legislation to ensure City Corporation services are fully compliant with the Equality Act 2010, and do not discriminate against trans people.

The announcement follows the results of an online survey into gender identity which received more than 21,000 responses.

Edward Lord, chair of the establishment committee, which leads on the authority’s workforce and inclusion policies, said: “This policy will ensure our public services do not discriminate against trans people.

“We support a wide range of service users and we want to ensure they can all feel comfortable accessing and enjoying our facilities.”

The survey was carried out as part of the City Corporation’s ongoing work to make sure its services, both within and outside the Square Mile, are inclusive.

The new policy will help ensure that transgender staff are not subject to less favourable treatment at work; that City Corporation management and staff receive training and support to enable them to address transgender issues appropriately in the workplace and across City services; and that transgender people are not discriminated against in the provision of services, and are able to access services relating to their gender identity.

Cllr Lord added: “All communities should be fully respected, and equality and basic human rights upheld.

“We aspire to be a leader in diversity, equality and inclusion. We are committed to building and supporting a strong, sustainable and cohesive society in the Capital and beyond, and this policy will take us one step further towards realising this vision.”

In April the City Corporation became a Stonewall Diversity Champion, joining 750 UK employers who together ensure all LGBT staff are accepted without exception in the workplace.