MORE must be done to address long-standing inequality issues facing LGBT+ workers that have been entrenched still further by the coronavirus pandemic, trade union leaders have said. 

At the Scottish Trade Union Congress’ (STUC) LGBT+ conference today, representatives from Usdaw highlighted the impact of Covid-19 on LGBT+ workers.

A recent Usdaw survey found that many LGBT+ members reported experiencing abuse from customers, which the union warns has become worse throughout the pandemic. 

The union has now said that urgent action must be taken, welcoming the Scottish government’s commitment to include sexual orientation and trans status monitoring in the Scottish census 2022.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “There can be no doubt that the inequality and discrimination LGBT+ people face has been made worse by the coronavirus crisis. 

“Long-standing inequalities in accessing community and financial support, healthcare, housing and employment have all been exacerbated and it is highly likely these inequalities will persist and deepen unless urgent action is taken by government to systematically monitor and address the specific needs of LGBT+ people.

“We welcome the ongoing work trade unions and LGBT+-led organisations are carrying out to consult LGBT+ members and make visible their experiences and concerns during the pandemic.”

The calls have been backed by STUC representatives, who called for the government to put legislative changes in place. 

 STUC LGBT+ workers committee chairman Willie Doherty said: “Moving out of the pandemic we have the opportunity to address these issues, especially in our health and education sectors and to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace. 

“We urge the new Scottish government to implement the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, ban conversion therapy, invest in LGBT+ education and training and ensure that our health services are fully funded and equipped as a matter of urgency.” 

Politicians in Holyrood pledged to work with Usdaw and trade unions to “tackle the scourge of anti LGBT+ prejudice in society.”  

Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said: “Usdaw is right to highlight the significant impact the coronavirus crisis has had on retail workers, and specifically, the unequal impact of the pandemic on its LGBT+ members.”