50% is only half the story

10.26.54pm GMT Mon 30th Jan 2006

The Liberal Democrats have responded with dismay to a new report showing that one in every two gay people are too scared to come out at work.

The research, conducted by Out Now Consulting, also finds one in ten lesbians and gay men have suffered harassment at work due to their sexuality. 49% of respondents said they would not reveal their sexuality to their co-workers.

Kelvin Meyrick, Chair of DELGA commented: "this report is a warning of how far we still have to go in achieving equality at work despite legislative change. Half the survey respondents would not feel safe being open about being lesbian, gay or bisexual where they work. Hidden beyond that statistic are the many more people who would not be comfortable admitting their sexual orientation to a researcher, let alone their boss."