HR file: Ensuring trans employees are comfortable at work

Erin Bisson, a transgender woman, has won a landmark case to have Condor Ferries remove the words ‘ladies’ and ‘gents’ from its toilets. What legal issues do employers need to be aware of, and what can firms do to ensure transgender employees feel comfortable in the workplace?

Stuart Jones, national head of employment at Weightmans, says: ‘It is unlawful to discriminate against an employee by treating them less favourably than others because of gender reassignment.

‘Employers can create a welcoming workplace through simple steps such as seeking information sensitively and storing it confidentially, training key staff, and raising workforce awareness of equality law and policies.