18/01/2013
LGB Workplace Awareness Project Launched
A project to raise awareness of the issues faced by gay, lesbian and bisexual employees in the workplace has been launched by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Minister Farry officially launched the Project at the MAC in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and highlighted the benefits it will bring to local businesses.
The Executive says evidence shows businesses that celebrate diversity perform better in terms of productivity and growth, and generally demonstrate higher staff retention rates.
Research indicates the UK lost £4.55bn due to work-related stress in 2007, of which £682.5m can be attributed to workplace bullying.
Dr Farry said: "I am pleased to launch this significant awareness raising project. Promoting greater equality and diversity, especially if seen as an intrinsic part of the ethos and culture of an organisation, can lead not only to improved productivity and growth, but to fostering a culture of tolerance and respect."
The two year contract for the project was awarded to the Rainbow Project in response to a report called 'Through our Eyes'.
The report described the experiences and perceptions of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the workplace in Northern Ireland.
It found that too many people experience animosity or negative attitudes with regard to their sexual orientation and that there is a hesitance for LGB people to be open about their sexuality.
It also found many employers are unaware of their responsibilities.
The Minister continued: "I have no doubt that the continued hard work of the Rainbow Project will make a difference to many lives in Northern Ireland by changing perceptions, breaking down barriers and ensuring that the Northern Ireland workforce is of the highest calibre.
"The Project will help address the issues identified in the "Through our eyes" report by increasing employers’ awareness of their responsibility in terms of equality in the workplace, and further encourage them to embrace the importance of having a work environment which is welcoming to those who are lesbian, gay and bisexual."
(IT)
Minister Farry officially launched the Project at the MAC in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and highlighted the benefits it will bring to local businesses.
The Executive says evidence shows businesses that celebrate diversity perform better in terms of productivity and growth, and generally demonstrate higher staff retention rates.
Research indicates the UK lost £4.55bn due to work-related stress in 2007, of which £682.5m can be attributed to workplace bullying.
Dr Farry said: "I am pleased to launch this significant awareness raising project. Promoting greater equality and diversity, especially if seen as an intrinsic part of the ethos and culture of an organisation, can lead not only to improved productivity and growth, but to fostering a culture of tolerance and respect."
The two year contract for the project was awarded to the Rainbow Project in response to a report called 'Through our Eyes'.
The report described the experiences and perceptions of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the workplace in Northern Ireland.
It found that too many people experience animosity or negative attitudes with regard to their sexual orientation and that there is a hesitance for LGB people to be open about their sexuality.
It also found many employers are unaware of their responsibilities.
The Minister continued: "I have no doubt that the continued hard work of the Rainbow Project will make a difference to many lives in Northern Ireland by changing perceptions, breaking down barriers and ensuring that the Northern Ireland workforce is of the highest calibre.
"The Project will help address the issues identified in the "Through our eyes" report by increasing employers’ awareness of their responsibility in terms of equality in the workplace, and further encourage them to embrace the importance of having a work environment which is welcoming to those who are lesbian, gay and bisexual."
(IT)
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