Transgender people are the victims of bullies and criminals throughout their lives, according to a new government report.

School bullies pick on 70% of children who are uncertain of their gender, and when they leave to start work, 80% of transgender people experience harassment or victimisation, government research shows.

Add to that hate crimes against transgender people have risen by 14%, ays the government, and transgender people have a miserable time.

To help, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone has published a three-point plan calling for:

• Health service reform to ensure greater consistency in commissioning gender identity services

• Publication of a guide for health practitioners on the treatment and care transgender people

• Tougher sentencing of punishment of murders motivated by hostility towards a transgender person from 15 to 30 years

“Too many transgender people still face prejudice at every stage of their lives, from playground bullying, to being overlooked for jobs or targeted for crime,” she said.

“I am proud to announce the first government strategy to tackle the specific barriers facing transgender people. Like everyone else, transgender people have the right to be accepted, to live their lives free of harassment, and to be free to achieve any ambition they choose.”

The announcement follows government collaboration with the transgender community,

health practitioners and the voluntary sector, which identified a number of issues which the Plan aims to address.

April Ashley, who was the first Briton to undergo sex-change surgery in 1960, said: “I think there are so many support groups out there unlike when I did my transition 52 years ago when there was no help at all. The announcement shows we are moving forward to breaking down barriers and educating people.”