UNISON Participation in International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)

Conference recognises that an ever-increasing amount of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) agenda is at a European and World level. Significant legislative and policy gains in relation to LGBT equality have been achieved through European structures. Time and again, UNISON members have shown their solidarity with brothers and sisters across the world who […]

Protecting the Health of Prisoners and Prison Health Care Staff

Men who have sex with men (MSM), gay men and bisexual men can potentially be at greater risk of sexually transmitted diseases. These risks can be further aggravated as a result of poor health standards and inconsistent awareness of safer sex practices within the prison system. Gay men are still the group at greatest risk […]

National Blood Transfusion Service

Conference notes that men who have sex with men are still barred from donating blood in an official capacity to the National Blood Transfusion Service, whether you are a ‘practising’ homosexual or not. Conference also notes that the need for blood donation is continuously highlighted in the press and media and that only 6% of […]

Coming Out At Work

Conference notes that the issue of coming out at work is given insufficient attention as a union concern at the present moment. Within the Northern Region, we feel that more work needs to be done on this somewhat neglected area, its particular relevance to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and non LGBT members. Therefore, […]

Addressing LGBT Mental Health Needs

This Conference, welcomes the Lesbian Advocacy Services Initiative (LASI) research into lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) mental, emotional & sexual health that highlights and acknowledges that homophobia and heterosexism are a primary cause of mental ill health for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Conference acknowledges that transphobia is a primary cause of mental ill health […]

HIV Treatment Availability and Male Rape

This Conference expresses its disgust at all forms of sexual assault. Victims of such crimes deserve the full support of everybody and the full protection of the law. Conference notes that sex attacks on men could be reported less consistently than attacks on women; therefore male victims may remain invisible and unsupported. Conference notes that […]

Outing Policies

Conference notes that by their very nature, sexual matters are private and confidential. Conference further notes that some people are comfortable talking about their partner but that many people do not share such information with their managers or colleagues. Conference supports organisations that make strenuous efforts to ensure confidentiality of procedures and information management systems […]

Tackling Homophobia in Schools and Colleges

Conference notes that homophobic bullying causes permanent damage to young people and blights the schools and colleges where it takes place. Conference further notes that homophobia affects all pupils, students and staff regardless of their sexual orientation. Conference recognises that state schools in England and Wales have a duty of care to ensure the safety […]

Inclusivity at Conference

Conference supports the organisation and participation of events to encourage and celebrate achievements and to promote the involvement of women, black members and disabled members who self define as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT). Conference welcomes and commends the work of the National LGBT Committee regarding the active and positive participation by those who […]

Ramping up the Fight Against the Far Right

Conference notes with concern that in the 2008 local elections the British National Party (BNP) made a net gain of 10 seats in England and Wales, bringing their total number of seats to 55. In London the British National Party (BNP) crossed the 5% hurdle needed to get a “party list” seat on the Assembly. […]

Reform the Homophobic Asylum System

Conference notes the human rights abuses perpetrated within the country of origin of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who make asylum applications in the UK. It also acknowledges the serious failings of the UK Borders and Immigration Agency to appropriately process and investigate such applications. Conference believes that urgent reforms need to be […]

Bisexual Members

Conference recognises the work of the National Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee regarding bisexual members within the union and striving for inclusion and active participation of this group with activities such as Bisexual caucuses and network meetings. Conference is saddened to note however that bisexual members are still reluctant to participate for fear […]

School Staff National Negotiations

Conference is aware that there has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of support and professional staff employed in schools over the last 5 years. In addition, their roles and responsibilities have also increased however pay has not always kept place with this. Conference notes the Secretary of State, Ed Balls’, announcement last autumn, […]

Care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

This Conference notes )the recent publication of ‘Better Outcomes: the way forward – improving the care of unaccompanied asylum seeking children’ by the Borders and Immigration Agency (BIA) which sets out the framework for providing services to unaccompanied asylum seeking children; 2)That unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people arrive in this country separated from their family and […]

Campaigning for a fair deal for LGPS members

Conference notes that Statutory Instrument 2007, number 1166, issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which outlined the ‘new look’ LGPS, stated that “Administering and employing authorities shall have regard to guidance to be issued by the Secretary of State, before 31 March 2009, as to the manner in which the costs […]