rkplace identity groups were established as spaces where people could share their experiences of belonging to a minority group. Perhaps once they served a useful function. But since the passing of equalities legislation, it has become unlawful to pay someone less or treat them less favourably because of the colour of their skin, disability, or who they fancy.
As such, today, groups like CCC’s LGBTQ+ network pull in the petty, the prescriptive, and the pious. Employees are no longer drawn together because of shared characteristics but by shared beliefs about identity politics.
When employers cede responsibility for policy to those deemed to be marginalised purely because of their protected characteristics, whole organisations are left vulnerable to the whims of fanatics. Divisive ideas about gender identity or race are then written into policy and performed in practice. Fighting this bigotry and breaking through suffocating groupthink has been left to brave individuals like Liz Pitt….
Deferring to workplace identity groups is a reckless dereliction of duty by our institutions which must not continue. It’s time for us all to point out the dachshund’s bollocks and bite back.
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