- Conference
- 2024 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 13 September 2024
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference acknowledges the ongoing discussions on inequalities, health disparities, and the resulting reduction in both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy faced by many marginalised groups, including our LGBT+, Black, and disabled members. These disparities are deeply rooted in the social determinants of health — factors such as income inequality, discrimination, housing conditions, and access to healthcare. However, instead of seeing progress, we have witnessed these inequalities worsen. The time for collective action is now.
Across the UK, there is a clear and alarming link between deprivation and reduced life expectancy. Those born in the most deprived areas are expected to live significantly shorter lives and spend a larger portion of their lives in poor health compared to those in the least deprived areas.
In Scotland, the differences are particularly stark. Men living in the most deprived 10% of areas live, on average, 13.3 years less than those in the least deprived areas. Women face a similar gap of 10 years. The disparity in healthy life expectancy is even more alarming — 25 years for men and 21.5 years for women. This trend is mirrored in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, though to a slightly lesser extent.
These figures underscore the profound impact of social and economic inequalities on health outcomes. The widening gaps in both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are not merely public health issues; they are also trade union issues. Our members from marginalised groups, including those with protected characteristics, are disproportionately affected by these inequalities. As a union, we must act to address these disparities and advocate for changes that will enhance the health and wellbeing of all our members.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to work with all relevant parts of UNISON to:
1)Advocate for urgent action on health inequalities by addressing the social determinants of health, including income inequality, discrimination, and access to quality healthcare, housing, and education. These issues impact not only LGBT+ members but also Black, disabled, and other marginalised communities.
2)Raise awareness across all UNISON regions, branches, service groups, and self-organised groups about the growing gap in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, particularly among those in the most deprived areas.
3)Encourage all parts of UNISON to integrate actions addressing health inequalities into their organising, bargaining, and campaigning efforts, supporting members who are disproportionately affected by these issues.
4)Campaign for policy change to tackle the root causes of health disparities, including government action on the structural drivers of inequality, such as poverty and deprivation, which are closely linked to lower life expectancy and poor health outcomes.
5)Collaborate with other trade unions, the TUC, public health bodies, policymakers, and civil society groups to drive this change.
6)Engage with external organisations to build partnerships aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, ensuring the voices of LGBT+, Black, disabled, and other marginalised members are heard in public health and social policy debates.