- Conference
- 2006 National Disabled Members' Conference
- Date
- 6 June 2006
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference believes that there is specific disadvantage experienced by disabled women in respect of pensions which can result in greater poverty in older age. We experience breaks in employment history because of discrimination in employment, failure by employers to make adequate reasonable adjustments and as a result are unable to make consistent contributions in pension planning to support independent living in older years.
In addition, women are more likely than men to:
1)to experience certain conditions or impairments such as Multiple Sclerosis, female organ Cancer, Mental ill health
2)Be responsible for the continuing burden of caring responsibilities for dependants, including the additional cost of providing support
3)Work in part time paid occupations
4)Have a break in employment service to care for dependant
5)Experience fewer career opportunities as a result of discriminatory barriers in recruitment, selection and training choices
This Conference calls upon the National Disabled Members Committee to support UNISON campaigns to improve pension rights for disabled women and the elimination of poverty in older age.