Outrage over official trans and non-binary guidance for HR staff: Gender-critical campaigners slam 'impractical' advice that says denying transgender women access to women-only toilets at work could be discrimination

A major British industry group has been accused of publishing impractical guidance on whether to identify themselves transgender women can use single-sex spaces.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) states in a guide that denying transgender facilities to women only could constitute 'discrimination' in the law.

But Maya Forstater, CEO of sex critical group Sex Matters believes the charity – which represents HR professionals – needs to “start over” with its approach.

The CIPD 'Transgender and non-binary inclusion at work' guide encourages businesses to 'create an environment where everyone can use facilities that they feel comfortable in and that best meet their needs, including some gender-neutral facilities' .

It adds: 'You can help by creating an environment where everyone can use the facilities they feel comfortable with and that best meet their needs, including some gender-neutral facilities. Refusing to allow a transgender or non-binary person to use the facilities in which they feel most comfortable may constitute discrimination.

“However, you also need to show understanding for those who may not feel comfortable. Approaching such discussions should be in the spirit of sharing concerns and building greater understanding and respect in the spirit of compassion and empathy.”

It comes amid changes to the law announced today new restaurants, offices and shopping centers in England must provide toilets for men and women.

Former think tank researcher Ms Forstater told it Daily telegram: 'We believe the CIPD guidance on trans and non-binary should be scrapped and restarted. It is written in such a way that it seems like everyone is taken into account, but it is not useful.'

She added: 'The answer that 'you should consult and obtain legal advice' is not feasible. What we are talking about is a large company, retail or wherever, with many sites all over the country, some of them have a picture of a woman in a dress in the door.

'Is it only women? The answer cannot be: 'we will seek legal advice'. The answer must be yes or no.'

It comes next Equality Minister Kemi Badenoch asked people to give examples last Wednesday about how government agencies use incorrect guidelines on access to spaces for men and women.

Her “call for input” led to one Mother's net debate last week in which one user claimed: 'The CIPD guidelines potentially impact every workplace in Britain and should definitely be reported.'

But a CIPD spokeswoman told MailOnline today: 'It is incorrect that our guide says it is discrimination to deny a transgender person access to female-only facilities – it says it can be discriminated against under the law are.

'Our guidance, which is based entirely on advice from employment lawyers, makes it clear that employers should listen carefully to employees and seek legal advice where necessary when making decisions about the use of toilets and other facilities.'

Ms Forstater also plans to report guidance on gender spaces from other business organisations.

In June last year she was wins £100,000 compensation from employment tribunal after losing job after saying people can't change their biological sex.

It comes as new restaurants, offices and shopping centers in England will soon be required to provide separate toilets According to the changes to the law, ministers will 'alleviate concerns about security, privacy and dignity'.

Ms Badenoch said the move will put an end to 'the rise of so-called 'gender neutral' mixed-sex washrooms, which deny privacy and dignity to both men and women'.

The legislation will mean that new non-domestic buildings must install separate toilet facilities for men and women, or, if there is not enough space, self-contained universal toilets, a fully enclosed toilet room with a washbasin and a hand dryer.

Speaking about the changes, Ms Forstater told MailOnline: 'Many people will breathe a sigh of relief at this welcome return to common sense.

'Separate toilets provide privacy, dignity and peace of mind for both genders, but are especially important for women and girls.'

She said a Sex Matters survey into why people value single-sex spaces attracted 7,000 responses in a week, mostly from women. Many of them said they felt uncomfortable or that mixed toilets were less clean.

Ms Forstater also said some were afraid of “being in an enclosed space where a strange man might walk in, perhaps because they or someone they knew had experienced male violence or sexual assault.”

She continued: “Safe, usable public toilets are something we take for granted, but they are crucial to women's inclusion in public life.

'From building regulations to signage to workplace policies and training, it is important to have joint regulations that make it clear that single-sex facilities are the same.'

Ministers said a consultation on the proposals showed that 81 per cent agreed with the intention for separate toilets for men and women, while 82 per cent agreed with the intention to provide additional universal toilets where space allows.

The scheme will also apply to companies and catering establishments that are undergoing 'major renovations'. There will be exemptions for schools, residential homes and buildings that are mainly used for childcare.

Schools must now have separate toilets for boys and girls from the age of eight.

Last week Ms Badenoch seemed to suggest Gender-neutral toilets in a school can cause young girls to avoid using these shared facilities and ultimately develop urinary tract infections.

It came after Health Minister Victoria Atkins announced plans to… NHS Constitutiongiving hospital patients in England the right to request treatment in single-sex wards, with transgender people being placed in separate rooms.