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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Co-op removes trans inclusive toilet policy

83 replies

IwantToRetire · 16/08/2026 22:18

The Co-op’s previous internal policy stated: “If the toilets where you work are gender-specific, you should use the ones you feel safest in. We’ll never expect you, or ask you, to use the disabled toilets instead, but of course if you feel most comfortable using them, then that’s fine.”

These sentences have been removed from the policy, which now states: “We know that for people who identify as trans, or non-binary, or intersex, it’s [sic] may be difficult to feel comfortable and/or safe using gendered toilets. For the comfort and privacy of all colleagues, wherever possible we will provide gender-neutral individual lockable units, with inclusive signage.”

It is not clear yet what this will mean in practice.

https://www.thetimes.com/article/6772d1ec-d619-4e4f-b952-395e268f63bb and archive at https://archive.ph/9JMRb

Verifying Device

https://www.thetimes.com/article/6772d1ec-d619-4e4f-b952-395e268f63bb

OP posts:
MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 14:09

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Are you in the UK? You don't seem to understand our laws. The 1992 Workplace Regulations refer to Workplaces (the hint is in the name). Employers must provide separate male & female toilets for employees. If Employers allow trans identifying men to use the Ladies then this is harassment of their female employees under the Equality Act 2010. The Co-op must tell their TIM employees not to use the Ladies on pain of dismissal.

Grammarnut · 17/08/2026 14:07

Imdunfer · 17/08/2026 08:12

Coop retail only operate almost exclusively small shops which ime have one toilet. I can't imagine the shop staff have more than one either, assuming that they have a separate one from the customers at all. Presumably this is their staff policy, for office units with at least 3 toilets. I think it's fine as a statement, it's clear that the women's and men's are for men and women.

Perhaps it's also pertinent that the Coop movement was one of the earliest "ethical" brands, well entrenched early on with wokery, and are a mutual, owned by their members. As a business they do actually need to be pretty careful with their wording of this change. They could have written something which indicated that the policy was just to obey a law they don't agree with, implicitly encouraging staff to carry on as before.

Given their history and circumstances, I think they've done a fair job there.

I remember when the co-op had superstores (I shopped in one) and owned acres for their farms, which were ethically run. It's a pity that has gone and we have far less ethical supermarkets that rip farmers off and send their profits out of the country. As to the trans issue, I think if the co-op polled its members (I am one) they'd find their trans inclusive language was not supported, but that the majority of us are sex realists (like the rest of the world).

BackToLurk · 17/08/2026 14:06

It’s unclear how the full policy abides by the law.

“We know that for people who identify as trans or non-binary or intersex, it’s may be difficult to feel comfortable and/or safe using gendered toilets.
For the comfort and privacy of all colleagues, wherever possible we will provide gender neutral individual lockable units, with inclusive signage. Where separate facilities are provided, this is to support privacy, dignity and safety. Any decisions regarding access will be made sensitively and on a case-by-case basis.” My emphasis.

deadpantrashcan · 17/08/2026 14:02

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Why is it a problem to have blue hair?

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 13:58

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RapidOnsetGenderCritic · 17/08/2026 13:57

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Trying to patronise people isn't assisting you.

MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 13:28

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The 1992 Workplace Regulations require employers to provide separate male & female toilets (& changing rooms if required). If the employer allows trans identifying men to use facilities for female employees then they will be breaching the Equality Act 2010 by permitting the sexual harassment of female employees.

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Heggettypeg · 17/08/2026 13:25

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You are conveniently ignoring the uncomfortable truth that the whole subject of toilets has only arisen on here at all because a certain cohort of gentlemen have a "creepy obsession" with peeing in the Ladies' rather than the Gents'.

spannasaurus · 17/08/2026 13:12

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 is the legislation which CO OP needs to comply with wrt employee toilet provisions

SunCloudRain · 17/08/2026 13:02

'Company follows the law on loos' should not be an interesting topic but I guess it's still a novelty.

I assume this is mainly for their offices for financial services etc.

Co-op bank were always known for their ethical stance, and these days that means a certain side of every debate, so I do think it's surprising but agree that statement is waffle.

Coatsoff42 · 17/08/2026 11:47

MintBird · 17/08/2026 11:41

Is this what mumsnet has became? A daily update of every toilet in Britain where trans people can and cannot pee??

If this is not interesting to you, which is fair enough, look for something that is interesting. Try telly addicts for daily soap updates, or royals for daily European royal outfit reviews. Or style and beauty have a fairly regular perfume update thread, perfumistas I think.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 11:46

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MintBird · 17/08/2026 11:41

Is this what mumsnet has became? A daily update of every toilet in Britain where trans people can and cannot pee??

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 11:35

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CypressMoon · 17/08/2026 11:30

In lots of places now the toilets have been converted to cubicle only, available to both sexes. As a result it's more common now to see men queuing for the loo for the entire interval in theatres and art centres, just as women have always done.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 11:27

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KittyWilkinson · 17/08/2026 11:21

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Perhaps you would like to tell us what law says men have the right to dilate on the floor of women's toilets. Pet.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 11:05

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KittyWilkinson · 17/08/2026 11:03

Lol. Nice try.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 10:59

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KittyWilkinson · 17/08/2026 10:56

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Crickets? Interesting choice of word. By implication then - a Bashback supporter.
But keep posting with the attempted gotchas.

The Co-op wording could be written more clearly to support ALL staff. Not just to fudge it for the Herbert's of this world, and their predilection for dilating in the women's bogs.

I've no issue at all with trans identifying women in my single sex space, but the men who claim to be laydees can sod right off. HTH

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 10:24

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MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 09:33

Igmum · 17/08/2026 09:28

Well at least they’re obeying the law (and how ludicrous that I should feel grateful when a company does that).

They aren't obeying the law. They issued a vague & waffly statement that crucially does not tell their staff that the choice is either to use a toilet appropriate to their biological sex or a gender neutral toilet.

Igmum · 17/08/2026 09:28

Well at least they’re obeying the law (and how ludicrous that I should feel grateful when a company does that).

KittyWilkinson · 17/08/2026 09:26

MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 09:22

My problem is that they are not explicitly telling their trans staff to stay the fuck out of the wrong sex toilets & changing rooms.

Exactly this. It does not say to use the toilet relating to your own biological sex.
It's a fudge.