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Your voice counts | Workplace feedback following EHRC draft Code of Practice

Unite Equalities is seeking to understand any issues or concerns that may have arisen in your workplace following the recent release of the draft EHRC Code of Practice. We would welcome your feedback and invite you to use our new reporting tool to share any experiences, concerns, or impacts you may have encountered, despite this code being restricted to service users and associations. Your responses will help us better understand the experiences of members and identify where further support, guidance, or action may be needed. Please share your feedback by clicking the button below: 

Click here to share your feedback

If you have any queries relating to this, please contact LGBT+ via email. 

Joint statement from the National LGBT+ and National Women’s Committee

Unite statement on recently published EHRC Draft Code of Practice - May 2026

Unite’s National LGBT+ and National Women’s committees are currently undertaking a detailed review of the recently published EHRC Draft Code of Practice for Service Providers and Associations, issued under the Equality Act 2010 and now subject to a 40-day parliamentary scrutiny period. While this guidance does not apply to workplaces, we have significant concerns about its practical impact on our trans and non-binary members.

Our position remains unequivocal: Under the Equality Act 2010, gender reassignment is a protected characteristic and discrimination against any individual on this basis is unlawful. Unite will continue to robustly support any member who experiences discriminatory treatment.

We are seeking legal advice on the implications of the Draft Code and are working alongside other trade unions to raise our concerns with parliamentary colleagues. Once our review is complete and we have fully assessed any potential consequences for our members, we will issue further guidance and information.

Unite’s policy position, reaffirmed at our recent Policy Conference, remains clear: trans women are women, trans men are men, and our non-binary colleagues must have full legal recognition.

LGBT+ equality in the workplace continues to be hard fought for. Join Unite and Unite Equalities today and help us win equality in your workplace. Many LGBT+ workers face harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Unite Equalities is raising awareness and campaigning for LGBT+ equality, and encouraging LGBT+ workers to join Unite and become active in the union.

Solidarity in the Face of Hate: Unite the Union Commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) 2026
20 November 2026

Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), Unite the Union pauses to mourn the transgender and gender-diverse lives violently cut short by transphobia. This day is a solemn commitment to honouring those we have lost and a fierce reaffirmation of our resolve to fight for the living. We extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity to all trans and gender-diverse workers, their families, and the wider community.

The Hostile Climate: A Call for Urgency

We mark TDOR 2026 against a backdrop of increasingly hostile environments facing trans people, particularly trans women, not just globally, but acutely here in the UK.

Trans people are being targeted by a sustained and co-ordinated campaign of prejudice, which translates into real-world harm. Hate crimes are on the rise, and trans workers face constant threats to their safety, dignity, and employment security. This atmosphere is fuelled by an escalating global backlash against human rights and equality.

We must speak plainly: this is not a 'debate'—it is a systematic attack on a marginalised community.

Challenging the Right-Wing

Unite strongly calls out the harmful commentary frequently promoted by right-wing politicians and commentators and published in parts of the UK’s right-wing press and amplified across global media platforms. This relentless stream of misinformation, dehumanisation, and fear-mongering directly contributes to the climate of hate and hostility that makes trans lives so precarious.

The deliberate misrepresentation of trans people and the attempt to undermine their basic rights and existence—often disguised as 'free speech' or 'legitimate concern'—is unacceptable. This toxic rhetoric has a clear and devastating impact, providing cover for discrimination and escalating violence against trans people. As a union, we stand against the media's weaponisation of difference to divide the working class.

Unite's Pledge of Solidarity and Action

Unite the Union unequivocally stands in full solidarity and comradeship with our transgender and gender-diverse members. Your fight for safety, respect, and equality is our fight.

Phil Jones, Chair of Unite’s National LGBT+ Committee stated:

"TDOR is the darkest reminder of why our union movement must be a beacon of light. We will never accept a society, or a workplace, where trans people are attacked, targeted, or made to feel afraid for simply existing. Our pledge today is not just to mourn, but to mobilise. We will fight transphobia wherever it raises its head, and we will ensure that every trans worker has the full power of Unite behind them."

Our commitment is to action:

• Fight Workplace Discrimination: We will use the full force of our union to challenge any employer who fails to protect their trans staff, including all forms of misgendering, exclusion, and harassment, ensuring trans-inclusive policies are negotiated and enforced.
• Oppose Anti-Trans Legislation: We will campaign vigorously against any government policy or legislation that seeks to roll back the rights of trans people or that is based on discriminatory or anti-scientific grounds.
• Amplify Trans Voices: We will ensure trans voices are heard and uplifted within our union structures and beyond, guiding our collective bargaining and campaigning efforts. You are seen, you are valued, and you belong in this union.

On this day of remembrance, we commit to turning grief into action, working towards a world where all trans people, especially those most vulnerable to violence, can live and work free from fear.

Joint Statement from the National Women’s & LGBT+ Committees – 16th June 2025

Today representatives of the National LGBT+ and Women’s committees met to continue our discussions regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the FWS vs Scottish Government case, and the consultation currently being undertaken by the EHRC, the statutory body for upholding the Equality Act.

We have been speaking to and hearing from women and trans members in a broad spectrum of workplaces, across the UK, gathering evidence and feedback about members’ feelings and experiences following the ruling.

We understand the fear and uncertainty that this ruling has created for some workers, and we want to reassure our women & trans members that Unite The Union will always fight for the rights for all workers, both in and out of the workplace. If you are experiencing any harassment or discrimination following the ruling, please contact your branch or workplace representatives who will be able to help.

To the trans community; you will always have a home in our union. We will always fight for you, and together we will succeed.

Unite the union celebrating Pride season

During Pride month, check your equality policies in your workplace to ensure they are relevant and inclusive. Review policy, provide feedback to your senior rep or HR and champion change.

Unite will be celebrating Pride month and organising for our work for equality in our workplaces and communities at Pride events. Come and join us.

Love Unites! Read the latest UNITElive comment on Pride 2025

Unite the union National LGBT+ Committee Stands with the Trans Community
17 April 2025
Unite the Union’s National LGBT+ committee is deeply concerned by the judgement issued by the UK Supreme Court in the case of FWS vs the Scottish Government.

We will be taking some time to look at the decision in full, especially where the ruling could create legal uncertainty and discrimination in employment, education, health services etc.

We will issue further statements as appropriate.

We would like to take this opportunity to send a message of solidarity and comradeship to the trans community, many of whom will be experiencing fear and uncertainty in what lies ahead.

But be assured you are seen; you are loved and you are not alone.

Unite the union will always stand with you.

Celebrating LGBT+ history month

LGBT+ History Month – February

In the UK LGBT+ history month takes place every February. The month aims to raise awareness of the LGBT+ community and to challenge prejudice in all its forms.

LGBT+ history month focuses on the celebration and recognition of LGBT+ people and culture; past and present to give people scope to talk about the bigger picture of LGBT+ experience, in which LGBT+ people were the agents of change not just victims of prejudice.

The trade union movement has ensured February is established as LGBT+ history month to celebrate LGBT+ people’s achievements and their continued struggle for equality at work and in society. Take action this February and celebrate the LGBT+ community.