An inquiry has been launched after staff at a Darlington Jobcentre allegedly told a trans woman that she should dress as a man for job interviews. Tina Cook claims that she was told that doing so would increase her chance of securing work.

Cook is a former construction worker who was made redundant 18 months ago. She has continued to seek a new job since beginning transition in February last year.

“I don’t go to the Jobcentre to get disrespect and abuse,” said Cook. “All I need to do for that is walk down any street or go into any pub. Somebody will always say something, but I don’t expect it when I am trying to get off benefits and get back into work.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “Jobcentre Plus is committed to treating all individuals fairly and equally. We will not tolerate discrimination and will take any allegations seriously. We are aware of this complaint and are investigating.”

Most gender identity clinics in the UK make strict requirements of trans patients who wish to access specialist medical treatment, which may include counselling, hormones and/or surgery. Patients who fail to maintain a job in their new gender role can be denied treatment.

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