Census data showed that the airline, entertainment and theme park sectors have the highest levels of LGB+ representation in the UK.
Figures from the 2021 census in England and Wales, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reveal that LGB+ people aged 16 and over were most likely to work in one of these three employment sectors.
The census, which was the first of its kind to ask employees about their sexual orientation, found that at least one in ten people working in one of these industries identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or having another orientation sexual minority.
13.7 percent of air travel assistants identified as LGB+. (Getty Images)
Other popular jobs topping the list included cafe workers (10.8 percent), artists (9.8 percent), bar staff (9.4 percent), writers (8.9 percent) and artistic producers or directors (9.3 percent). ), according to a data analysis carried out by the PA news agency.
Topping the list were air travel assistants, with 13.7 percent identifying as LGB+.
Commenting on the finding, a spokesperson for the International Association of Flight Attendants said the airline industry allows people to “live and work as themselves”.
They said: “Many people who identify as LGBTQ+ today work as flight attendants to be surrounded and supported by their peers.
“Decades before the law took effect, we worked together to negotiate employment protections for LGBTQ+ workers and secure benefits for domestic partners in contracts. Our solidarity has enabled thousands of flight attendants to live and work authentically.
Meanwhile, jobs with the fewest employees identifying as LGB+ included window cleaners (0.7 percent), masons (0.6 percent), scaffolders (0.6 percent) and farmers (0.6 percent), or less than one in 100.
Cafe workers were also among the most likely to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexuality. (Getty Images)
Commenting on the finding, British National Farmers Union president Minette Batters said the farming industry was “an incredibly dynamic sector, with people from different backgrounds and experiences”.
She added: “We want everyone to feel welcomed and valued, which is why we have partnered with Agrespect and are committed to tackling bias and supporting diversity, inclusion and empowerment LGBTQ+ in rural areas.
Although in every profession a small percentage of people chose not to disclose their sexual orientation, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) noted that these figures were a sign for employers to “act now to improve equality, diversity”. , and inclusion at work.
The lack of LGB+ representation in an industry can be due to a number of causes, from cultures of discrimination or social exclusion to barriers to entry or progression.
Jill Miller, the CIPD’s policy adviser on diversity and inclusion, told the news agency that her own research had shown that a “significant number of LGB+ employees experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace”. work”.
The 2022 group’s study also found that public or voluntary sector employers were “significantly more likely” than private sector employers to report that they had focused on diversity and queer inclusion over the past few years. last five years.
“Attracting a more diverse workforce by tapping into a diverse talent pipeline is important, but organizations need to go further,” Miller said.
“Employers must focus on creating an inclusive organizational culture where there is equality of opportunity and outcomes for all. »
2023-10-26 01:33:26
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