The UK government has today issued workplace guidelines for employers on hiring, retaining and supporting transgender staff.

The Government Equalities Office publication, The recruitment and retention of transgender staff – guidance for employers, has been produced in conjunction with workplace diversity advocacy organization, Inclusive Employers.

A government statement says that the aim of the guide is ‘to provide employers with practical advice, suggestions and ideas on the recruitment and retention of transgender employees and potential employees.’

It also carries information of interest to managers of trans staff, and to transgender employees themselves.

In a statement, Nicky Morgan, Minister for Women and Equalities said: ‘This government is committed to ensuring that everyone can fulfill their potential, including transgender and non-binary people.

‘Many transgender people still face discrimination in the workplace, as well as in their day-to-day lives.

‘The guidance for employers and service providers we are publishing today is an important step towards helping improve knowledge and understanding to ensure all members of our society can live their lives free from discrimination.’

The guide includes advice on allowing people flexibility on application forms when asking about their preferred title, including trans people in equality monitoring, planning around an individual’s transition, and the use of facilities such as restrooms.

It also includes anecdotal feedback from transgender workers, such as this anonymous recollection of an interview experience.

‘At the end of my interview, I was asked if I had any questions or wanted to add anything. I plucked up my courage and told the panel that I intended to transition very soon,’ said one anonymous contributor.

‘The chair of the panel’s jaw dropped, he looked at the HR rep and said, “One for you, HR”, but immediately recovered himself and said, “I don’t care if you are a man or a woman (he included a range of other characteristics to make his point). All I care is that you can do the job”.

‘He got there in the end although it would have been better if his response had been well informed and more professional.’

Claire Williams, a Director of Inclusive Employers, which won the tender to produce the guide, told Gay Star Business, ‘We recognise that many employers are committed to bringing down the barriers to inclusion and we hope that this guidance will provide them with comprehensive practical advice and guidance.

‘Let’s hope too, that the document improves the equality, diversity, inclusion practices and culture in all those other organisations, where trans colleagues still feel unable to fully be themselves at work .’

The guide was welcomed by the Chairperson of professional, transgender networking group, trans*formation.

‘trans*formation are delighted to see the government recognising the need to recruit and retain trans employees,’ said Kimberley Bird. ‘We encourage private sector employers to act on this document to ensure they attract and retain top talent.’

In tandem with the guidance for employers, the Department of Education has also issued a guidance publication for service providers on how to best serve their transgender customers and clients. The guidance was produced in collaboration with Gendered Intelligence.

Last month, US-based NGO Out & Equal Workplace Advocates published a similar workplace guide for US employers on best practice regarding trans staff.