Guidance from NHS Scotland has been branded as “nonsensical” after employees have been told to treat bearded colleagues as women if they self-identify as female.
The guide states staff must use the correct names and pronouns for their transgender colleagues.
In one training example, employees are asked to consider the case of “Lucy”, a 29-year-old transgender nurse who is “still producing visible facial hair” and has not yet formally changed her name from “Lee”.
In the fake scenario, it is explained that staff are reluctant to correct patients who are still using male pronouns to refer to Lucy.
The guide states staff must use the correct names and pronouns for their transgender colleagues
GETTY
The example reportedly concludes with workers being told that “discrimination against Lucy will not be tolerated”, adding that under equality law, co workers must use Lucy’s correct name and pronouns.
Scottish Tories have hit out at the guidelines, branding them “ludicrous” and “nonsensical”.
The Telegraph reported that MSP Stephen Kerr said: “It is absolutely nonsensical to demand that staff and patients ignore biological reality and participate in an enforced illusion.”
“This kind of thought control has no place in a rational, professional healthcare setting, where clear communication, trust and biological facts are critical to patient care and workplace cohesion.”
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The same guidance has promoted the implementation of gender neutral toilets in a bid to “promote equality”.
It claims the toilets “promote equality by eliminating the need for people to conform to traditional gender norms”.
After being approached by The Times, the NES removed the guidelines on gender neutral toilers and the claim that employees had a “legal obligation” to use Lucy’s preferred pronouns.
This comes as First Minister John Swinney reiterated his support for transgender staff to use the toilets they feel most comfortable with.
First Minister John Swinney reiterated his support for transgender staff to use the toilets they feel most comfortable with
PA
An equality and inclusion policy for the Scottish Government reads that “trans staff should choose to use the facilities they feel most comfortable with, including using accessible toilets if they prefer”.
When asked if he supports the policy, without requirements to have changed legal gender, the First Minister said: “Of course I support the guidance that’s available.”
He added: “But it’s underpinned also by the need to ensure that any such question does not come at the disadvantage of other members of staff.”
“And that’s a crucial obligation, which is in law, which the Government as an employer has got to make sure is provided for within our estate in these circumstances.”
A spokesman for NES told The Daily Mail: “The Times article is incorrect. We are not telling staff what to do or say.”
“This is simply a document to help staff think about and discuss a range of equality topics in the workplace.”
In a previous statement to The Times, NES said: “We routinely review and update our educational resources in light of guidance and policy changes. In the light of a recent statement by the EHRC, we have reviewed some of these resources including the cultural humility resource.”
