Conference notes the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, which stated that the protected characteristic of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The subsequent interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has caused chaos in many workplaces and […]
Conference motions
Conference welcomes the new ace (asexual) and aro (aromantic) network that has been established by the National LGBT+ Committee – called ‘The A-Spec Network’. This is believed to be the first trade union network for those who identify under the Asexuality Umbrella. Conference also welcomes the factsheet and awareness training that the a-spec network has […]
Conference welcomes and recognises the importance of 2026’s union-wide campaign ‘Year of Green Activities’. Over recent years, the United Kingdom has experienced significant bouts of extreme weather, such as unprecedented heat waves, wildfires and flooding. While these events have destructive effects on local communities, we know that it is the most marginalised groups in these […]
Conference notes that the concept of Intersectionality, which was first coined by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, recognises that individuals hold multiple, overlapping identities which can impact the way they experience inequality and discrimination. For LGBT+ people, this can include—but is not limited to—being Black, disabled, a woman, a migrant, working class, a carer, neurodivergent or a […]
This conference notes with deep concern the findings of the latest ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, which ranks European countries on the basis of LGBT+ rights and protections. Britain, once a global leader in LGBT+ equality, has plummeted from 1st place in 2015 to 22nd in 2024, a place it still occupies. This alarming decline is not […]
Conference notes: 1)That transgender and gender diverse young people across the United Kingdom face disproportionate levels of discrimination, poor mental health, and barriers to accessing education and healthcare. 2)That in Northern Ireland these challenges are intensified by systemic neglect from the Northern Ireland Executive and a lack of political will to protect and support transgender […]
Conference notes: 1)LGBT+ Rights are under attack across the UK, Europe and globally. 2)UNISON organises across 12 Regions throughout the UK. 3)There are disparities across the 4 nations in LGBT+ rights, as well as within nations, for example varying entitlement to assisted conception across health trusts. 4)Often phrases such as ‘UK Law’ are used incorrectly […]
Over 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. With just under five years remaining until 2030, the UK’s ambitious goal of achieving zero new HIV cases is within sight. Encouragingly, 98 percent of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK have an undetectable viral load due to effective antiretroviral treatment, meaning they cannot […]
Conference recognises the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and affirms our unwavering support for the LGBT+ community worldwide. Any actions or policies that undermine LGBT+ rights and freedoms must be condemned in the strongest terms. Conference is especially concerned when the policies and actions of […]
Conference notes that after years of austerity under successive Conservative Governments—and continuing under the current Labour Government—many councils remain under severe financial pressure. Chronic underfunding of local government has created a financial climate in which Pride organisers have increasingly seen the withdrawal of local authority funding for Pride events. Recently a small number of councils […]
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have changed, but have we? As we approach 2030 with the global goals of zero new HIV cases and zero stigma, we must ensure no one affected by HIV is left behind in our union, workplaces or communities. HIV thrives on marginalisation – whether through […]
Conference notes the alarming increase in Reform UK councillors and Mayors in local government and the direct threat this poses to Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trans plus (LGBT+) equality and equality for all protected groups, action on the climate crisis and workers’ rights. Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, has made his intentions clear, stating after […]
The Energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, requiring diverse perspectives to drive innovation and sustainability. Current statistics indicate that LGBT+ individuals remain underrepresented in the energy workforce, facing barriers to entry and advancement due to discrimination and lack of support. Studies show that inclusive workplaces lead to higher employee satisfaction, retention and overall productivity, […]
Conference notes that the use of gender inclusive language is extremely important within our union, and that gender-exclusionary terms can make members in our trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities feel excluded and unwelcome. Recent experience at National Delegate Conference shows that education in this area is still very much needed, with gender-exclusionary terms such […]
Conference notes that: Conversion therapy – attempts to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity – remains legal in the UK. Despite widespread condemnation by healthcare professionals, LGBT+ organisations, and trade unions, there has still been no Government ban. The UK government first pledged to outlaw conversion therapy in 2018, but progress has […]