BEING OUT ABOUT HIV

Conference is concerned about the lack of awareness of HIV and its impacts within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community (LGBT). HIV from the point of diagnosis to long term treatment is covered under the Disability Discrimination Act as a disability and there is widespread ignorance; 40% of gay men have HIV and are […]

ACCESS TO DEMOCRACY

Conference believes that experiences of disabled voters, especially at the General Election 2010, expose many barriers that can disenfranchise a disabled voter. In particular we are concerned that the Mental Health Act 1983 bans people who have been sectioned under the Act from standing as Parliamentary candidates in elections. Given the disproportionately high rate of […]

BENEFITS AND DISABLED WOMEN

In line with Dave Prentis’ press release declaring war on public service cuts, we are shocked this administration is introducing draconian cuts to government departmental budgets that will negatively and disproportionately affect disabled women. Of particular concern is the announcement that existing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants will have to undergo medical checks to continue […]

RAPE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Rape is a violation of a woman’s human rights. Violence against women is difficult for any woman to experience, for a Deaf woman there are things that can make it extra hard to gain support, such as confidentiality, being part of a small community, lack of understanding and access issues. The aftermath of rape can […]

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

This Conference is concerned that 1 in 4 people in this country will experience a mental health problem in their lives (Mind), and that half a million people are so stressed by their jobs they believe it is making them ill. We believe that discrimination against Disabled LGBT workers leads to higher incidences of stress […]

ABILITY TO INFLUENCE

Conference is concerned that disabled members may not be getting the opportunity to participate fully in policy and decision making processes. We are all aware of the new change in government and in particular the proposed cuts these will bring to public sector services. Where policies are developed or reviewed it is going to be […]

STOP THE UNECCESSARY MEDICALS

Conference agrees that Mr George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 22 June 2010, delivered a vicious attack on disabled workers when he said that all recipients of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) would be forced to undergo medical examinations to see if they would continue to receive DLA. Many disabled people are able to […]

WELFARE REFORM BILL

The Queen’s speech, presented on 25 May 2010 introduced a new Welfare Reform Bill. The Government states that the main benefits of the Bill will be: ·‘Making the benefits system less complex ·Improving work incentives ·Getting the five million plus people languishing on benefits into work and out of poverty. ·Reducing the scope for fraud […]

HIDDEN DISABILITY

Conference notes that the term ‘non apparent disability’ is a catch-all phrase that simply means that a person’s impairment or condition is not obviously apparent or visible. Around 70% of people who have a disability in this country have a hidden disability. Delegates will have work colleagues who are disabled but who are not immediately […]

RECESSION JOB CUTS AND THE RETENTION OF DISABLED PEOPLE

This Conference is concerned that the lack of suitable vacancies and significant job losses in the public sector will make it more difficult for all disabled people and those who can no longer carry out their current duties even with reasonable adjustments to retain their employment. This Conference recognises that the use of an employers […]

DISABILITY AND THE SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION OF PALESTINE

Conference notes UNISON’s proud tradition and record of international work. Conference notes that disabled people are often left behind in the social reconstruction following conflict. This can happen when the reconstruction is linked to the Medical Model of Disability or the Professional Gift Model for delivery of services. Adherence to the Social Model of Disability […]

PUBLIC SECTOR CUTS AND DISABLED MEMBERS

This Conference, like the rest of UNISON, will be shocked at the vicious cuts proposed to the public sector in particular in the community and voluntary sectors, by the Coalition Government. Major cuts in the budgets of the public sector will not fail to result in job losses. This Conference applauds the decisive leadership being […]

Work Capability Assessment

Conference is concerned that planned changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) will force thousands of disabled people into poverty. The WCA is the medical assessment process for individuals claiming Employment and Support Allowance. It identifies how an individual’s health condition or disability affects their ability to work and plays an important role in determining […]

USING THE EQUALITY ACT TO PROTECT DISABLED MEMBERS

This conference notes Government proposals for severe public sector budget cuts and the already existing evidence that these cuts will affect discriminated against groups, including disabled people, particularly hard. There is also deep concern that many local authorities see cutting services specifically aimed to support disabled and older people as a soft target, thus taking […]

EQUALITY IN CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Both the Disability Discrimination Act and the Public Sector Equality Duty have helped to reduce discrimination against disabled workers in the workplace. With regard to career and job opportunities available to disabled people, the public sector is at the forefront of anti-discriminatory practice by granting an interview to any disabled candidate who fulfils all essential […]