- Conference
- 2023 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 20 July 2023
- Decision
- Carried
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) remains one of the most stigmatised long-term health conditions. Our members living with HIV often face stigma, discrimination, prejudice, bullying and harassment in the workplace, in healthcare settings, and in their daily lives.
Conference notes that over 100,000 people in the United Kingdom (UK) are living with HIV, and many of these are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender plus (LGBT+) people.
Although there is currently no cure for HIV, medical treatment known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), available since the mid-1990s, can help people living with HIV to remain fit and healthy, and prevent them from developing advanced HIV or AIDS.
Conference acknowledges the millions who have died from HIV and AIDS globally, and the work done to treat people living with HIV through development of effective antiretrovirals, as well in advancements in prevention with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
For most people in the UK, especially if diagnosed early, HIV is no longer the “death sentence” it once was, and is now considered a chronic but manageable health condition.
People with HIV are automatically covered by the protections accorded to disabled people under the Equality Act 2010, although many employers and workers are not aware of this.
Conference notes the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) campaign 2030: HIV Time’s Up! THT believes the UK can be the first country in the world to end new cases of HIV.
Conference acknowledges there are many people living with HIV who do not know it. THT’s campaign is about finding and testing everyone living with HIV in the UK, so that they can be offered treatment. People with HIV who are successfully on treatment can’t pass the virus on, so this would help to reach the goal of no new cases.
UNISON can play an important role in helping to end a global epidemic that has claimed 38 million lives, and support people living with HIV to thrive. By adding our trade union strength to this campaign, we can help end new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030 and reduce stigma for people living with or affected by the virus.
Conference instructs the National LGBT+ Committee to work with the National Executive Council and other parts of the union as appropriate to:
1)Review UNISON’s guidance on HIV in the workplace with a view to publishing an updated version, to include best-practice use of language around HIV and AIDS as described in the People First Charter.
2)Raise awareness that people with HIV are entitled to protections under the Equality Act 2010.
3)Encourage the adoption of the anti-stigma HIV Friendly Charter currently being developed by National AIDS Trust and partners.
4)Support THT’s 2030: HIV Time’s Up! campaign.