UNISON and other UK trade unions oppose new single-sex space guidance

Major British trade unions, including UNISON, Unite, and the National Union of Students, are challenging new guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) regarding single-sex spaces.

The dispute follows a Supreme Court ruling that defines “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 based on biological sex. The new EHRC guidance suggests that facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards, and refuges should be organized according to biological sex.

UNISON, which represents approximately 1.3 million members, has reported that hundreds of members have raised concerns regarding the practical implementation of these rules. The union argues the guidance could undermine protections for transgender people and has noted that some employers have responded by withdrawing existing workplace policies designed to support transgender employees.