Unite on Supreme Court ruling

Supreme Court ruling and Unite's next steps

Unite is carefully considering the Supreme Court ruling and remains committed to supporting any members facing harassment and discrimination as we recognise that collective solidarity is the only way to prevent communities being pitted against each other.
 
We will need time to understand the full implications of the judgement and will be examining the new statutory code that is expected to be published in the summer. A review of our current materials will take place in consultation with our National Women’s committee and National LGBT+ committee as our guiding principle has been to work collaboratively and not to allow division between our members. We recognise that any guidance will need to be legally compliant but also fully inclusive in addressing the uncertainty that members may be facing and advocating on their behalf.
 
A clear message from the judgement was to reaffirm the protections against discrimination contained in the Equality Act for women and our trans colleagues, there is no hierarchy in equality. Unite will continue to use any industrial and legal route to enforce this.  We are a campaigning union always seeking to negotiate improved terms and conditions and advance the legal rights for all workers.
 
Support and representation are available for any member affected by this. Unite is absolutely committed to the fight for human rights and will always stand by all marginalised groups in our society.

Next steps

Consultation will now take place with within Unite’s lay structures, bringing together key stakeholders from the National Equality sectors and EC members to engage collaboratively on the impact of the ruling. This working group has already demonstrated the ability to agree campaigning priorities for our union whilst jointly ensuring that the rights of all workers are protected. We have a proud history of working together with support and respect, this will continue.

Unite National LGBT+ and Unite National Women’s committee chairs

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.