The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender survey carried out by the NUJ has uncovered deeply troubling evidence of workplace discrimination suffered by members.

The response level of 120 members was considered to be exceptional given general statistics and the fact that the survey targeted a specific minority.

52 per cent of respondents felt that they had suffered discrimination at work.

Of those, the greatest evidence of discrimination was on grounds of sexuality, with 82 per cent of respondents citing this as a reason for negative bias affecting their work.

This figure was notably higher than other stated reasons, though 56 per cent of respondents reported suffering age discrimination and 44 per cent were disadvantaged due to disability.

Nearly a third of respondents (32 per cent) revealed that their colleagues did not know of their sexual orientation or gender history.

More than two thirds of members who replied were dissatisfied with action taken by their employer or employer support on discrimination issues.

And 36 per cent of respondents accused management of bullying, harassing or discriminating against them.

The Equality Council is committed to a proactive cross-media campaign against such discrimination and is currently leading the UK trades union field on the issues.

On Friday, Glasgow welcomed the Equality Council, which held a meeting in the city in advance of the seminar on bullying.

The Council elected Carmel McHenry as Chair for the coming session with Diane Parkin elected as Vice-Chair.

The wide-ranging discussion covered the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender survey and ongoing action against bullying. This includes plans to launch a high-profile cross-media campaign using The Journalist, printed materials and the wider media to highlight the message that bullying and harassment are unacceptable in any circumstances.

There was also discussion on the Equal Pay campaign, including recognition that, such are the complexities of the issues, Organisers require special training to enable them to undertake Equal Pay Review. Work already done in Scotland in this area was recognised by the Council.

Other issues covered included plans to campaign on domestic violence and discussion on the relatively low proportion of female activists within the NUJ. It was hoped that the recent appointment of a number of female Assistant Organisers would lead to stronger representation of women in influential positions with the union.

The 2nd NUJ bullying seminar is to be held in Glasgow's Marriott Hotel on Saturday, 1st May.

The seminar, which is being organised by the Equality Council in conjunction with the General Federation of Trade Unions, will give members the opportunity to discuss experiences of workplace bullying as well as learning how to deal with the problem and its affects.

A model NUJ Dignity at Work agreement as well as bullying advice and information is now available for download on this site.

Places on the seminar are free but limited and those interested in attending should book as soon as possible.

To confirm your place please contact:
Debbie Smith, NUJ, Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Road London WC1X 8DP.
Telephone: 020 7843 3723
E-mail: debbies@nuj.org.uk