Trade unionists in Wales have been working to help employers understand gay and lesbian equality in the workplace.

One of the aims of the session held by TUC Wales in Cardiff on Saturday was to make bosses aware that they need to become "gay friendly" before new anti-discrimination laws come in at the end of the year,

Employers have to be aware of sexual orientation

The seminar at Transport House examined the UK Government's draft Employment Equality (sexual orientation) regulations 2003.

From 2 December, 2003, the anti-discrimination law will be extended to cover discrimination in employment and training on grounds of sexual orientation.

"The seminar has been organised to make not just employees, but also employers, aware of the impact this new legislation is going to have in the workplace," said Debbie Rees, chair of the Wales TUC Lesbian and Gay Steering Group.

"Employers will be required to become gay friendly for the first time - otherwise they might as well just have an open cheque book, because if they don't comply, they'll be facing a lot of industrial tribunals."

'Culture change'

The draft proposals have been put out to consultation until 24 January, but the Wales TUC is concerned that not everyone likely to be affected by the changes is fully aware.

"There is going to have to be a huge culture change in the workplace," Ms Rees said.

"Employers are going to have to get their houses in order, in terms of providing awareness training for staff.

"Far too often, we are are the butt of people's jokes, but it is often a case of lack of awareness and education."

More than 40 delegates attended Saturday's seminar, which featured presentations from Chris Bryant MP and Helen Mary Jones AM.