Transgender guidance
The Law Society has published guidance for solicitors on good practice in working with transgender employees.
Under the Equalities Act 2010, gender reassignment is a protected characteristic. The Law Society’s guidance aims to help solicitors fulfil their duties as employers under the act.
The government Transgender Action Plan issued in 2011 states that 88 per cent of transgender employees experience discrimination or harassment in their workplace. Our guidance is therefore aimed at supporting solicitors to meet their legal obligations and to encourage equality, diversity and inclusion within the profession.
It will also help solicitors, employers, colleagues and consultants to understand the practical, social, psychological and emotional issues relating to the process of changing gender and the issues that should be considered in the workplace to actively include an employee who is transgender.
The Transgender guidance can be found on the Law Society web site at www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/advice/practice-notes/working-with-transgender-employees/