Today's Labour News

City Press reports that discrimination by employers towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people results in higher unemployment rates and longer job search periods, as well as their self-elimination from the paid labour force.  

Also, because in most contexts it’s a nonobservable trait, lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex people may choose to hide their sexual orientation at work, but this type of coping strategy is not really an option for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.  Across the globe, the transgender unemployment rate is higher than the national average, while nearly half of LGBTIQ employees report that discrimination has negatively affected their work environment.  Because members of stigmatised groups are often not hired into positions that best reflect their abilities and human capital, this would lead to a decrease in productivity through, for example, talent not being attracted or retained by firms, as well as there being little if no incentive for individuals to maximise effort.  As progressive as South Africa’s constitution is regarding LGBTIQ rights, the social stigma and discrimination entrenched in mass public opinion contributes to barriers to economic and social inclusion for LGBTIQ citizens.  Practical building blocks for inclusion, business opportunities and tackling challenges faced by LGBTIQ employees and business owners are being pushed by organisations like PLUS LGBTI+ Business Network and The Other Foundation in southern Africa, and are focused on promoting economic empowerment and participation, thus improving social inclusion and physical safety for LGBTIQ people in the workplace.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nickita Maesela at City Press

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page