It also found that, while most respondents did point to improvements over time, they still have low expectations for how they will be treated at work, with workers describing themselves as feeling “lucky” if they’ve inclusive managers and colleagues, and “grateful” when basic equality standards are met. 

Additionally, everyone could easily recall recent instances of workplace homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, including many which would constitute gross misconduct. 

Of particular concern was the evidence that transphobia may be increasing, with most workplaces still not experienced as trans inclusive and workers expressing concerns that anti-trans views in the media are filtering down into anti-LGBT+ behaviours in workplaces. 

Off the back of these findings, the TUC is calling on the government to consult with unions on a strategy to make sure workplaces are safe for all LGBT+ people, introduce legislation that would protect workers from harassment by customers and clients, reform the gender recognition act, and maintain protections for trans and non-binary people in the equality act. 

As for employers, it has said they should be regularly reviewing workplace policies and how they are experienced on the ground by LGBT+ workers and customers.  

As well as this, they need to take action to make sure that workplace policies translate into an inclusive culture by providing training and information about LGBT+ issues and identities, and ensure that staff and managers can identify homophobia, biphobia and transphobia when it occurs. 

Alongside this, it’s called on employers to review recruitment processes and introduce steps to support LGBT+ staff to thrive and provide information to candidates about the employer’s commitment to inclusion.  

The TUC’s general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone should feel safe and welcome where they work. But homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are still commonly experienced in the workplace. And LGBT+ workers are concerned that anti-trans views in the media are filtering into workplaces. 

“Ministers need to take the lead in setting expectations that every workplace will be safe and inclusive for all LGBT+ workers – starting with changing the law to outlaw harassment by customers and clients.  

“Employers should work with unions to make sure that inclusivity policies don’t just live on a page, but are lived-out in workplace culture. Whatever your job, you and your colleagues will always achieve more if everyone feels accepted and welcome for who they are.”