The UK government must urgently improve protections for LGBT+ workers and rebuild public services that many rely on, UNISON has warned. Speaking at the union’s annual LGBT+ conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said workplaces must be safe and respectful for every employee — but many LGBT+ staff are still being let down.
“Everyone should be able to work and live free from prejudice, discrimination and intolerance,” McAnea told delegates, adding that years of political instability and slow progress on equality have left LGBT+ workers vulnerable.
Public services “still reeling” from austerity
McAnea said 14 years of Conservative austerity had a lasting impact on services that LGBT+ people depend on, including community healthcare, mental-health provision and local support networks.
“Many are still reeling from the impact today,” she said.
Labour government criticised for lack of action
Although Labour entered government last year promising to improve the lives of working people, McAnea said progress has been slower than expected.
“There are good things going on,” she said, “but ministers have been terrible at communicating them.”
She pointed to the Employment Rights Bill — which would end zero-hours contracts, provide day-one sick pay and allow digital union ballots — describing it as “life-changing”. But she warned it is already facing opposition from hostile employers and peers trying to weaken key protections.
Call for a full ban on conversion therapy
McAnea reiterated UNISON’s demand for an immediate ban on conversion therapy, saying Labour has so far failed to deliver on its promise.
Any legislation, she stressed, must include trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people, who are most at risk.
Hate crime figures “don’t reflect reality”
While official data suggests hate crime rates have fallen, McAnea warned that many LGBT+ people no longer feel safe reporting incidents.
She backed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill that would put LGBT+-related hate incidents on the same footing as those based on race and religion, ensuring clearer sentencing guidelines and better protection for victims.
Concerns over EHRC guidance and single-sex spaces
McAnea voiced alarm at reports of changes to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s upcoming code of practice, warning it could lead to discrimination in workplaces and public services.
Media leaks suggest the updated guidance could force organisations into invasive “toilet policing”, she said, determining access to facilities by appearance or behaviour.
“This must never be allowed to happen,” she added.
She also criticised some employers for prematurely applying withdrawn interim guidance, with cases in Fife and Darlington showing how easily organisations can get the law wrong when dealing with trans staff.
UNISON expands trans ally training
UNISON says more than 7,000 members have now completed its trans ally training programme. McAnea praised the work done across the union to promote equality, but warned that national policy must catch up.
“Workplaces should be a safe place for all employees, all of the time,” she said. “Our union will always stand up against bigotry, discrimination and hatred.”