The Trades Union Congress has called on employers to end workplace discrimination against transgender people to mark International Trans Memorial Day today.

In September 2008 at least 25 transgender people were murdered across the world, for no other reason than the fact that they were different. Trans Memorial Day remembers trans people across the world who have been the victims of such crimes, and aims to bring them to public attention.

In Britain the trans community continues to face violent physical attacks, alongside prejudice and discrimination in communities and at work.

The TUC has worked with transgender union members and with representatives of the trans community to campaign for Britain's equality laws to provide comprehensive protection from discrimination for trans people.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Discrimination, hatred and violence are part of the daily lives of far too many in Britain, and employers need to make sure all their employees are working in safe environments free from discrimination.

'Unions need to step up campaigning for equality for trans people in the UK. We will shortly have a new Equality Act and the TUC will be pressing for complete protection for those people who identify with the opposite gender to the one that they were born.

'If Britain is to be a truly equal and inclusive society we need to understand the issues facing trans people, and develop practical steps to end discrimination in workplaces, and in society at large.'