Accessible Domestic Abuse Services

Conference notes that disabled women are more likely to be subjected to domestic abuse than non-disabled women. Domestic abuse can include physical, sexual or emotional abuse – as well as the withdrawal of care from disabled women who require it and threats to ‘out’ LGBT+ women to their friends and families. According to the Women’s […]

Towards a more inclusive disabled members LGBT+ caucus

Conference notes that at National Delegate Conference 2019 delegates unanimously agreed to change UNISON’s rule book so that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) self organised group will now be called the LGBT+ self organised group. Conference notes that this has implications for our disabled members self organised group because we have an LGBT […]

Celebrating our Black disabled caucus

Conference notes that the Black caucus within our National Disabled Members Self Organised Group (SOG) reflects our belief that under-represented groups within our union and within society should have a space to organise and to agree their own priorities so that they can feed in to the work of the SOG and ensure that their […]

Awareness of Access To Work

Access to Work aims to support disabled people start or stay in work, providing financial and practical support. We believe awareness of this programme is lacking amongst some members, especially if you’re new to disability, meaning our members may not be getting the support they need to stay in work and reach their potential. Conference […]

Meaningful Annual Disability Employment Statistics

Conference notes that in November 2018 the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Health & Social Care jointly launched a Framework on the Voluntary Reporting on Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing. This compliments the Public Sector Equality Duty. The Framework is a voluntary scheme – aimed at large employers with over 250 […]

Accessible Public Toilets

Conference notes that less than 10% of people who meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of a disability actually use a wheelchair which is the traditional symbol for an accessible toilet. For a range of reasons many disabled people face barriers to using a standard toilet. Conference notes that Council spending cuts have led to […]

EFFECT ON OLDER PEOPLE OF DECLINING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Conference notes with concern that in an ageing society the public transport system in the UK fails to meet the needs of older people. This is as a result of a reduction in bus services, lack of rural transport, rising fares, increased journey times and cancelled trains. The inability to travel has a major impact […]

UNISON CHARTER FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Conference supports the view expressed by previous motions that a revised UNISON Charter for Older People could be a valuable resource to promote the UNISON Retired Members’ Organisation, help retain members when they retire, involve and activate retired members and showcase UNISON and trade unionism among older people. Conference notes that there is much existing […]

SEASONAL DEATHS

Conference notes with concern the growing number of winter deaths year by year as a result of cold related illnesses in England and Wales. An estimated 50,100 older people died in England and Wales between December 2017 and March 2018. This equates to 417 deaths a day or 17 deaths an hour which was the […]

Senior Railcard Travel Restrictions

This Conference notes that since the denationalisation of the Railways and the breaking up of British Rail, several train companies have now taken over the running of the trains all over the country. The introduction of the Senior Rail Card which is national and is recognised by all the companies is excellent and very helpful […]

Free Travel Pass for those aged 60

We ask Conference to consider the impact of rising travel costs on older men and women not yet in receipt of a free travel pass due to their eligibility rising with state pension age. Many are experiencing loneliness and isolation, which in many cases affects their health and well-being. Even men and women with a […]

Local government apprenticeships – same work, sub-par pay

Conference notes that apprenticeships are increasingly the way that young people in the UK enter local government as a profession, providing a structured way to recruit those fresh into the workforce by combining part-time education with the work they’ll be doing once the apprenticeship is completed. Conference further notes however that, while some local authorities […]

Women, wellness and work

Conference notes with concern that despite previous motions and campaigns highlighting gender specific health issues faced by women in the workplace there is still very little recognition nor help and advice in the workplace for employees or employers. Whilst these health issues may not in themselves impact on productivity, lack of support and unsympathetic workplace […]

Safeguarding LGPS Investments

This local government conference notes that LGPS pension funds are invested to secure the best returns and to safeguard the pensions of public sector employees and pension fund members. We further note that these funds are in the majority invested in funds which add little value to local areas and local economies. This conference therefore […]

Knife crime and cuts to youth services

Conference notes the alarming spike in knife crime in 2018. Knife crime in London has risen by 16 percent in the past two years and over 50 people were killed by stabbings and shootings in the first 3 months of the year. Conference notes that the furore over the ‘knife crime epidemic’ served to demonise […]