UK Employers Urged to Strengthen Business Travel Safety, With Alarming Gaps in LGBTQ+ Support
A recent survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of World Travel Protection (WTP) reveals a concerning reality for UK business travellers: 60% believe their employers are not doing enough to safeguard their well-being during work trips. The survey, based on responses from 500 UK-based employees who travel for work, highlights a growing demand for more inclusive and proactive safety measures—especially from younger and LGBTQ+ workers.
Generational Divide: Younger Workers Feel More Vulnerable
The survey uncovered a stark generational gap in perceptions of business travel safety. While 63% of employees under the age of 34 felt inadequately protected by their employers, only 31% of workers over 55 shared the same concern. These findings suggest that younger professionals expect higher standards of care, including digital engagement, real-time communication, and detailed risk briefings.
This sentiment reflects evolving workplace priorities among Gen Z and millennial professionals, who increasingly weigh safety and well-being when evaluating job opportunities.
Employee Retention at Risk Over Travel Safety Shortfalls
Alarmingly, 69% of respondents said they would consider declining a business trip if they did not feel safe. Moreover, 60% noted they might leave their job if their employer failed to demonstrate a strong commitment to travel safety.
Such figures reflect the potential HR and economic cost of inadequate duty of care. Employers must now consider robust travel safety programs not just a legal responsibility but a core retention and engagement strategy.
Real-Time Support and Communication Matter
Although 64% of business travellers reported receiving some level of support while on the road, many crave more frequent and consistent check-ins. Among respondents under 34, this number rose to 73%, highlighting the need for employers to offer more than just passive safety resources.
“Regular updates and reassurance from employers can significantly impact how safe employees feel during travel,” said a spokesperson from World Travel Protection. “It’s not just about reacting to emergencies—it’s about being proactive.”
Existing Measures Fall Short
Current safety provisions offered by UK employers include:
- 24/7 emergency helplines (30%)
- Pre-travel briefings on cultural norms and risks (25%)
- Regular safety check-ins (25%)
- Government-issued travel advisories (24%)
- Access to third-party risk management firms (23%)
- Tailored travel advice based on itineraries (23%)
- Mobile apps with live alerts (21%)
While useful, these services do not fully meet the expectations of today’s workforce. There’s a growing call for personalized, inclusive, and real-time solutions that account for each employee’s identity, itinerary, and regional risks.
LGBTQ+ Travellers Left Exposed
One of the most urgent issues identified in the survey is the lack of travel safety guidance for LGBTQ+ employees. Only 13% of business travellers reported receiving LGBTQ+ specific information ahead of international travel—a gap that poses significant risks in countries where LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized or socially stigmatized.
According to the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), dozens of countries around the world maintain restrictive laws or negative social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Without proper guidance, business travellers from these communities are often left to navigate hostile environments alone.
“Failing to provide LGBTQ+ specific travel advice is a critical oversight,” said a spokesperson from Stonewall UK. “Employers must ensure their travel safety programs are inclusive and reflect the diverse identities of their workforce.”
Best Practice Recommendations for Employers
To create safer, more inclusive travel experiences, employers are encouraged to implement the following measures:
- Include LGBTQ+ Safety Guidance in Briefings: Share destination-specific laws and social norms that could affect LGBTQ+ travellers.
- Empower Employees to Decline Travel Without Penalty: Create transparent systems that allow employees to opt out of unsafe trips.
- Offer Real-Time Support Tools: Provide access to apps, hotlines, and verified local contacts for immediate assistance.
- Solicit Feedback After Travel: Use traveller insights to improve future safety planning and tailor resources.
- Update Policies with Government Travel Advisories: Regularly monitor the UK’s FCDO website and integrate updates into internal safety briefings.
UK Business Travel Safety Becoming a Key HR Issue
With major business hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham serving as international travel gateways, UK employers must take urgent steps to meet evolving expectations around travel safety. The World Travel Protection survey makes it clear: business travel safety is no longer a niche concern—it’s a fundamental part of employee well-being and retention.
Forward-thinking companies are now integrating travel safety into broader ESG and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) frameworks, ensuring that all employees—regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation—can travel confidently and safely.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The message from UK business travellers is clear: employers must go beyond the basics and provide inclusive, proactive travel support. With nearly 7 in 10 workers prepared to refuse unsafe travel and a significant portion ready to resign over this issue, prioritizing employee safety isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
As international business travel continues to recover post-pandemic, safety, equity, and transparency will define the future of employer-employee relationships.
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