Full Breakdown
Tribunal Over Union Support in Transgender Changing-Room Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Nurse Sandie Peggie, a 30-year NHS Fife employee, raised a complaint after being placed on special leave in early 2024. The dispute stemmed from her objection to sharing a women’s changing room at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy with Dr Beth Upton, a transgender woman assigned female at birth. Peggie’s first employment tribunal in December 2025 resulted in a partial victory: a judge upheld her harassment claim against NHS Fife but dismissed allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation. She subsequently filed a second tribunal against her trade union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), alleging inadequate support and legal advice.
Official Statements & Responses
The RCN has denied all of Peggie’s allegations, asserting that it provided appropriate representation. RCN lawyer David Hay KC questioned Peggie’s understanding of “gender-critical” language and highlighted that the nurse had received funding from the campaign group Sex Matters, suggesting the case was driven by external strategy. Former Alba MP Neale Hanvey, who testified at the hearing, said Peggie’s mother had contacted his office because of his interest in sex and gender issues and that he connected her with Sex Matters and the group For Women Scotland for additional support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I felt like he thought I was being disciplined because I had done something wrong.” — Sandie Peggie, the lawyer
- “I felt unsupported. Mainly because I felt I had been discriminated against.” — Sandie Peggie, the lawyer
- “I think possibly it was fear … They had seen the way I had been treated at the hospital by senior staff members.” — Sandie Peggie, the lawyer
What's Next
The second tribunal is being heard in Dundee and is expected to continue into the first half of next year. The outcome will determine whether the RCN must provide legal services to members who raise “gender-critical” concerns and could influence how NHS trusts manage single-sex facilities.