Darlington nurses say Government is delaying single-sex spaces guidance

An employment tribunal found nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital were subjected to harassment after a trans colleague used the women's changing room; the nurses say the Government has delayed publishing updated single-sex guidance the EHRC handed to ministers months ago.

An employment tribunal concluded that seven nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital had been subjected to harassment after the trust permitted a trans colleague to use the female staff changing room. The nurses said the ruling vindicates their concerns and criticised the Government for taking months to act on updated guidance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) delivered a draft code on single and separate-sex services to ministers several months ago. That draft requires ministerial approval and would come into force 40 days after being laid in Parliament. Key facts: - The tribunal found the trust breached workplace regulations and that the conduct involved violated the claimants' dignity and created a hostile environment. - The trust said it is reviewing the judgment and NHS England and the EHRC were contacted for comment. - The EHRC has updated a draft code on single-sex services; it must be approved by ministers and can only take effect after being laid in Parliament and a 40-day waiting period. Summary: The tribunal ruling has focused attention on how trusts manage single-sex staff spaces and on the Government's timetable for national guidance. The EHRC's draft code remains with ministers for approval before it can be laid in Parliament and come into force, and the trust is reviewing the judgment.