- Conference
- 2004 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 24 February 2004
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) states that one in five of the population has a disability. A greater number of people are affected by disability by virtue of their role as a worker with disabled people or as a carer. As the population and workforce profiles age, it is likely that even more people will be affected directly and indirectly by disability.
Conference notes that the Disability Discrimination Act is fully implemented in October this year, and that there will be a positive duty on the public sector to promote compliance with the Act.
Conference further notes substantial revision to part M of the Building Regulations, dealing with accessible and inclusive design for all, have taken effect in May this year. This will require the production of access statements for new and refurbished premises.
Conference notes that many public service organisations are undertaking access audits, and believes that UNISON at every level should follow suit.
Conference is aware that the Disability Rights Commission has recently published a report highlighting how health and safety concerns are used as a justification for less favourable treatment of disabled workers and clients.
Conference also notes information which has been made available via the Disability Rights Commission and voluntary organisations and that Amicus is organising training for disability champions at work. Conference regrets the absence of additional training or information from our own union.
Conference therefore instructs the National Executive Council to provide:
1)guidance and training to activists to enable activists to respond appropriately where safety concerns are used as a justification for less favourable treatment of disabled workers and clients;
2)information to branches on access audits, and to advise regions on how to assist branches to meet the costs of necessary modifications to branch premises.