- Conference
- 2012 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 23 February 2012
- Decision
- Carried
Conference recognises that distinguishing between general sickness absence and disability-related sickness absence is vital as it helps remove the disadvantage and discrimination experienced by disabled people in the workplace. In the current climate of recession and redundancy it has never been more important for disability leave policies to be negotiated and implemented by employers, failure to have disability leave policies can influence decisions relating to promotion, references or selection for redundancy. UNISON strongly supports the adoption of disability policies as an example of a reasonable adjustment and inclusive practice to assist recruitment and retention of disabled public service staff.
Conference recognises that UNISON branches and regions have worked tirelessly to negotiate policies but more has to be done to eliminate discrimination arising from disability related sickness absence. UNISON has produced guidance on disability leave including how to negotiate a policy in the workplace and has also issued a model agreement for branches. Branches and regions that have not yet used these as a negotiating tool are urged to do so, as well as use positive outcomes to promote recruitment and retention of disabled members.
Conference calls upon the National Executive Council to work with the National Disabled Members Committee to examine why some employers have adopted disability policies and why others have not, and issue branch negotiating guidance on how employers can be persuaded to adopt good practice and challenge bad practice using the Equality Act 2010.