‘Culture war’ threatens inclusion in UK energy sector

The findings of the 2025 Pride in Energy survey, published today, reveal serious concerns about the impact of the so-called ‘culture war’ relating to LGBTQIA+ rights and protections, on top of continuing high levels of discrimination and a sustained perception problem facing the UK energy sector.

The survey report, ‘Defending Inclusion’, reveals 71% of respondents express strong concern that criticisms of equity, diversity and inclusion being voiced by international and national political figures could undermine progress made in the sector. Many point to disappointment in how some businesses have reacted, as well as the permissive impact on the workplace of the normalisation of derogatory language, in particular relating to trans colleagues.

These new concerns are layered over pre-existing red flags for the sector. The proportion of respondents who have experienced or witnessed LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the workplace during the past five years is 42%, while only 24% consider the UK sector as a whole to be very inclusive. These are marginally improved on last year’s worst ever results, but still worse than the three prior years.

Joshua Atkins, founder and chair of Pride in Energy said:

“Many of our hard-won rights and protections are under fresh assault. Not only do this year’s findings suggest discrimination is still concerningly high but there is also deep concern from many of our respondents about the permissive impact of anti-inclusion rhetoric on progress in UK energy workplaces.

“An inclusive, welcoming and safe workplace is essential to a fulfilling working life and for businesses means they can attract and retain the best employees. Our survey also seeks to inform solutions and there’s a clear call for greater ‘top down’ visibility and advocacy from senior leaders.

“The charged social and political context reinforces the need for all of us to redraw lines in the sand, and to be loud and proud in defending inclusion.”

Summary of key findings:

Lived experiences and perceptions of inclusion

• 67% of LGBTQIA+ respondents are out to everyone at work…
• …but 42% of all respondents have experienced or witnessed LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the UK energy workplace during the past five years.
• 68% rate their own employer as very inclusive…
• …but only 24% say the same about the wider UK energy industry.

Impacts of the ‘culture war’

• 71% express strong concern that criticisms of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) being voiced by international and national political figures may undermine progress in our sector...
• …and 73% express strong concern about the impact on protections for transgender employees following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of sex in the Equality Act.

Defending inclusion, from the top down

• The number 1 ask for improving negative perceptions of the UK energy industry is ‘More visible LGBTQIA+ role models and advocacy by senior leadership’…
• …but 20% have no visible role models or allies within the senior levels of their organisation.

Defending inclusion, from the bottom up

• 73% are aware of an LGBTQIA+ network within their organisation…
• …but anecdotal evidence suggests their effectiveness is mixed.