An ex-employee is planning on taking Bracknell Forest Council to court over claims of ‘discrimination and harassment’ in its removal of single-sex bathrooms for staff members.

Sarah Holman said she felt 'more comfortable' working from home after complaining to management over the introduction of gender-neutral bathrooms at the council offices in Times Square.

She handed in her notice to the council in June this year and now claims that her ‘needs as a female member of staff were ignored’.

Mrs Holman says she plans to take the authority to an employment tribunal after working there for 12 years. She started a crowdfunding page in an effort to raise £6,000 to pay for the tribunal costs.

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The former Joint Venture Business Partner said she first raised concerns over the introduction of gender-neutral bathrooms with Human Resources in 2023.

She alleges she had been sexually assaulted in a bathroom before, as well as suffering a miscarriage – in the bathroom of her previous workplace – both of which had affected her mental health.

In July 2023, Bracknell Forest Council published plans to support transgender and non-binary staff members.

Gender-neutral bathrooms were in use at the council’s offices on Market Street before then.

The policy stated: “Staff can use the facilities (such as toilets) they feel most comfortable using. The council will work to provide appropriate facilities for trans staff, including gender-neutral facilities.

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“Employees who are confirming to their gender identity will not be expected to use disabled/accessible facilities as an alternative.”

Mrs Holman said she complained about this, and that an impact assessment carried out ruled the risk of harm as ‘not high’, as it ‘applied in a professional setting’.

The ex-employee said she felt working from home was her ‘only option’, leaving her feeling ‘very alienated’.

She also complained about the displaying of a Progress Pride Flag outside the council offices, which has since received planning permission to be flown during Pride month.

Mrs Holman handed in her notice in June, and claims that the pride flag was used ‘excessively’ by colleagues as their backgrounds in virtual work meetings, which she believed to be a ‘direct result’ of her complaint.

Her crowd funding page has received 176 donations totalling £4,105 so far.

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Susan Halliwell, chief executive at Bracknell Forest Council said: “We are unable to comment on individual cases. However, the council is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment for all our staff.

“We take the safeguarding and well-being of our employees extremely seriously and have robust policies in place to promote equality and diversity across our organisation.

“We continuously review and improve our practices to ensure every employee feels valued and supported and we maintain an environment of dignity, courtesy and respect.”