Work, placements and right to work @ Huddersfield Students' Union

Work, Placements and Rights to Work

Applying for work can be difficult as a Trans person, given that birth certificates and passports are typically required in order to show your right to work in the UK.

Reasonable Adjustments

Introducing gender-neutral bathrooms or allowing trans employees to use the bathroom of the gender they align with.

The introduction of gender-neutral dress codes.

Ensuring the contracts and policies are inclusive of all genders and use gender neutral terminology, as well as ensuring that the correct name and pronouns are used when speaking to or referring to a trans employee (this includes ensuring there are gender neutrality options in the software and forms you use as an organisation.

If you have medical appointments or surgery then you may wish to agree with the employer or placement provider additional time of to attend these.

Top Transgender Inclusive Employers

If you don't have a Gender Recognition Certificate, you can’t update the gender or name on your birth certificate. This leaves you with a passport, which will cost £75.50 online or £85* through a paper form to renew in the correct name and gender or to apply for if you haven't had one before. You can only change or apply for one if your GP or a clinician from a Gender Identity Clinic writes you a letter confirming that your change of gender is going to be permanent. This means that some trans people don't have either a passport or birth certificate in their correct name and gender, which can seem like a barrier to work.

However, in almost every case, a birth certificate or passport in your previous name, accompanied by a copy of your deed poll, will be enough to secure your right to work. If you're worried, the Careers Centre and/or Placement Office for your school can provide extra support to apply for work or placements.

* Prices correct at the time of webpage creation