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 that no one affected by HIV is left behind in our union, workplaces or communities. HIV thrives on marginalisation – whether […]
Conference motions
Conference notes that the Access to Work scheme can provide funding that can pay for things like specialist equipment and assistive software for a disabled person, support workers, such as a BSL interpreter, or the costs of travelling to work if public transport is inaccessible. However, Access to Work application waiting times have significantly increased, […]
Conference notes that, despite the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)1995, Disabled Members are still struggling to secure the reasonable adjustments at work that we are legally entitled to receive across all our Service Groups. Conference further notes that since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work […]
Conference notes that the government needs to recognise the right of disabled people to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives, in accordance with Article 4(3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Notes with concern that disabled people are often excluded from consultation processes regarding policies, services, and […]
Conference notes that recruitment of young members to UNISON continues to increase year on year. Conference also notes that in a 2024 survey of UNISON young members, 20% of respondents said they identified as disabled. However, young disabled members are often under represented as activists across the union. For example, only 5% of branch disability […]
Conference notes: a) Many disabled women are not only managing their own impairments but also have significant caring responsibilities, including children, elderly relatives, or other disabled family members. b) These dual roles can lead to increased isolation, stress, and barriers to accessing employment, healthcare, and social support services. c) Disabled women carers face multiple and […]
Conference 135 people in the UK take their own lives every week and 75% of people who die by suicide are men. It is the biggest cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. In 2023, 5,317 men and boys died by suicide, that is 14.5 deaths every day or the year. While […]
Conference is concerned that despite concession, which are currently unconfirmed, to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill (UC and PIP Bill) the government are still attempting to push through changes to disabled peoples benefits without their consultation. When they announced their plans to reform welfare the Labour government described it as the ‘biggest shake-up […]
Conference for too long the hidden consequences of hidden disabilities have been exactly that hidden. It is time to make a change. So what is a Hidden or non visible disability The government definition of a non-visible disability is a disability or health condition that is not immediately obvious. It can defy stereotypes of what […]
This conference notes: a) That disabled workers face a persistent disability pay gap, currently averaging £3,500 less per year than non-disabled workers, according to TUC research. b) That Black workers face an ethnicity pay gap, with lower average earnings and limited opportunities for progression. c)That disabled Black workers experience both these structural inequalities, resulting in […]
Conference, Dementia is a cruel and disabling disease. The impact on members and their families are at times devastating. Members can find themselves being carers and having to juggle work and their caring commitments. This adds to the pressure and members may struggle to manage, which ultimately may lead to sickness and staff hitting triggers […]
This Conference notes: Recent proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other welfare benefits have lacked meaningful engagement with Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or preferred language. BSL is a legally recognised language in the UK, yet consultation processes often fail to provide accessible formats or culturally appropriate […]
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet the stigma surrounding it persists, particularly in workplace settings. We must address the stigma of mental health in the workplace, foster a culture of openness and understanding, and implement actionable strategies to support members’ mental well-being. It is vital for public sector employers to prioritise […]
Conference, quoting UK Government figures, a 2025 TUC report “Disabled workers’ access to reasonable adjustment”, noted that one in four of the working -age population are classed as disabled. That translates into 5.5million disabled people of working age. However, we know that within the workforce that will be underestimated, and that disability prevalence will increase […]
Conference, “Keep Britain Working” is a review of the role of employers in tackling unemployment among working aged disabled people, to be published in autumn 2025. The review is linked to the Westminster Government’s “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, which ultimately seeks to move disabled people and those with long-term health conditions back into work […]