LGBT+ AWARENESS: Lauren Day, who is a partner and head of dispute resolution at Ellis Jones Solicitors, is among the lawyers in Ellis Jones Solicitors’ dedicated LGBT+ team
A trailblazing law firm offering same-sex legal services has urged LGBT+ people not to ‘suffer in silence’ in the workplace.
Ellis Jones Solicitors issued the call as the 18th annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Non-binary (LGBT+) History Month gets underway.
The law firm – with more than 170 staff including 22 partners in six offices – was the first in the area to offer same-sex legal services and helps employers to improve their equality and diversity policies.
Partner Lauren Day, head of dispute resolution and part of Ellis Jones’ dedicated LGBT+ team, said: “Clear progress has been made for inclusivity and equality in the workplace but there remains a long way to go.
“Some LGBT+ employees still face discrimination or abuse disguised as humour while others are reluctant to be their authentic selves for fear of bullying or how it may impact upon their career prospects.
“LGBT+ discrimination in the workplace is unlawful under the Equality Act. Suffering in silence does not need to be an option and support is available for LGBT+ individuals as well as employers who wish to create a more inclusive workplace.”
LGBT+ History Month takes place throughout February to raise awareness of the LGBT+ community’s history and to promote equality. This year it has the theme of ‘Behind the Lens’ to celebrate contributions to film and cinema.
Ellis Jones has been a longstanding supporter of the LGBT+ community, including sponsorship of Pride events in Bournemouth.
It has a dedicated LGBT+ legal advice team covering family law, fertility, disputes, wills and inheritance, employment and HR as well as discrimination.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones managing partner, said: “We are a progressive firm which believes in reflecting changes in society as well as the law.
“I hope our advice and support has contributed to the drive for greater inclusivity and equality in the local workplaces and communities we serve.”
Recent high profile discrimination courses have included a Vodafone franchise sales assistant in Glasgow and an estate agent in London.
The Vodafone worker received £30,000 compensation at an employment tribunal in October after being discriminated against due to her sexuality.
A second case in January of this year involved a gay estate agent in east London, when a tribunal upheld a claim of unfair dismissal but struck out a claim of discrimination.
Ellis Jones has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Wimborne and London.
To speak to one of Ellis Jones’ dedicated solicitors please call 01202 525333 or email lgbt@ellisjones.co.uk
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