UNISON disabled members, meeting in Brighton for their annual conference, marked Disability Pay Gap Day today.
This is the day of the year when disabled workers effectively stop being paid – such is the difference between their pay and that of their non-disabled counterparts.
The mover of a motion for Newcastle City Branch explained how the Equality and Human Rights Commission has found that the disability pay gap is at its highest level since records began.
“Mandatory reporting is starting to reduce the gender pay gap and it’s now time for mandatory reporting on the disability pay gap,” she said.
It was a call that resonated with delegates, who gave it unequivocal support.
Conference also called for more guidance on the issue, including a model action plan to reduce the pay gap that branches can use in negotiations with employers, together with recruitment materials showing what UNISON has achieved on reducing the disability pay gap and is continuing to do on the issue.
Find out more from the TUC at www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/disability-employment-and-pay-gaps-2019 and www.tuc.org.uk/news/disability-pay-gap-day-disabled-people-work-2-months-year-free-says-tuc?
You can help to raise awareness via social media, using the hashtag #DisabilityPayGap on Twitter.
