The Trades Union Council (TUC) is urging workers to remember lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people on May 17th.

International Day Against Homophobia takes place on this occasion and TUC general secretary Brendan Barber says unions have campaigned for equal rights for LGBT people with much success in the UK.

However, he claims the situation is "very different" around the globe and there are 77 countries in the world where it is a criminal offence to be gay.

This day is an opportunity to illustrate the global suffering of LGBT people and "demand that the way they are treated is improved – both in the workplace and in the wider community".

The TUC has published updated guidance for unions that takes into account legal changes and HR strategy and good practice. LGBT Equality in the Workplace is a guide on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues – and is available from its website.

Related News:

• A lot done, a lot more to do on diversity, says Law Society
• IBM tops Stonewall’s list of 2010 gay-friendly employers
• New alliance to tackle homophobia in football
• Better relations.. better work..
• Firms issued warning over “homophobic banter”
• Disability medical assessments ‘bring added stress’
• Corporate code is ‘progress on diversity and equality’
• Men seen as top dogs in in SMEs
• UK ‘ready’ for gay Prime Minster
• Union pleased with equality and diversity tribunal outcome