The UK Government has published new guidance for employers regarding the recruitment and retention of transgender staff. Its stated aim is to make sure employers are equipped to create an inclusive culture for all of their staff and act as a practical guide for managers. The guidance emphasises that there is a strong business case for employers to get this right, as diverse skills are important for employers in all sectors and there is a wealth of research to show that workplaces that are more inclusive are also more productive.

The guidance makes clear that a person can change gender with or without medical intervention and the guidance applies in both scenarios. This reflects discrimination legislation under which there is no requirement for medical diagnosis or treatment in order to gain protection against discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment.

The guidance sets out good practice in relation to recruitment procedures, application processes, equality monitoring and HR procedures – as well as advice on how organisations can make sure they present themselves as an inclusive employer on their websites and other branding. The guidance also covers advice on inducting and retaining transgender employees, including specific help for employers around supporting a member of staff who is planning to transition.

Some practical tips from this guidance are as follows:Continue Reading Guidance on the Recruitment and Retention of Transgender Staff in the UK

Today’s New York employment law landscape is increasingly dynamic, with a constant stream of newly issued legislation and judicial opinions. To keep our readers current on the latest developments, we will share regular summaries of recent developments affecting Empire State employers. Here’s what happened in October and November 2015:

NYC Agency Issues Guidance on New Criminal Background Check Law

As we previously reported, a new law took effect in NYC on October 27 that, subject to a few narrow exemptions, bars employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s pending arrest or criminal conviction record before a conditional offer of employment is extended (the Law). On November 5, just days after the Law took effect, the NYC Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) – the agency tasked with enforcing the Law – issued interpretive guidance on it. The guidance clarifies some of the Law’s inherent ambiguities, but also seems to expand its protections.
Continue Reading New York Employment Law Roundup: October & November 2015