- Conference
- 2024 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 16 September 2023
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that many employers still know little about neurodiversity and autism, and Black disabled workers who are neurodivergent often struggle to have their needs met in the workplace.
This replicates the situation in society as a whole. For example, young Black boys are often written off as disruptive in school, based on stereotypes and discrimination, instead of the possibility of autism and neurodiversity being considered. These young people lose out on education as a result, impacting their life chances and their subsequent career progression.
Conference believes that it is important to break down stereotypes about neurodiversity and autism and racist stereotypes about Black people that see many Black neurodivergent workers struggling to thrive in the workplace.
Black neurodivergent workers may be particularly susceptible to mental health problems, especially in workplaces where differences are not understood and respected.
Conference further believes it is key to educate employers and our reps to understand the challenges Black neurodivergent workers face and the reasonable adjustments they are entitled to under the Equality Act 2010.
Conference therefore instructs the National Black Members Committee to work with the National Disabled Members Committee to:
1. Seek to raise awareness of the needs of Black neurodivergent and autistic workers with regions, branches and employers;
2. Circulate UNISON’s comprehensive guide ‘Proving Disability and Reasonable Adjustments’ which explains how to negotiate for reasonable adjustments and includes a section on autism and neurodiversity;
3. Circulate UNISON’s Member’s Guide to Access to Work, a government scheme which offers support to disabled workers;
4. Publicise appropriate UNISON training on autism and neurodiversity.