Less than half of Scotland’s LGBT comfortable with being ‘out’

According to a staff feedback survey in Stonewall’s 2015 Workplace Equality Index, the evidence-based benchmarking tool that enables organisations to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace, more than half of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender staff in Scotland aren’t comfortable being out to all managers or colleagues. Less than one quarter of these are comfortable being out to all customers, clients, or service users at work.

Furthermore, LGB staff who are not out in the workplace are five times more likely to be dissatisfied with their sense of achievements than those who aren’t.

Marco Biagi MSP, Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment in the Scottish Government says: “Everyone in Scotland deserves a workplace that is inclusive, where they feel valued and treated equally.

“Despite the significant progress made, particularly in recent years, we are aware of the inequality still facing LGBTI people and communities today – we know from research that LGBTI staff are more likely to report being subject to bullying or unacceptable language. There is no place for prejudice or discrimination in modern day Scotland or anywhere else.

“The Scottish Government aims to be an exemplar in diversity, seeking to provide a safe and secure working environment for all, where staff can be themselves. We are committed to working with partners like Stonewall to promote a more equal society that values Scotland’s diverse communities and the important role they play in enriching Scotland socially, culturally and economically.”