JAMAICA – STOP THE HOMOPHOBIA

This Conference deplores the vicious murder of Brian Williamson in June 2004. Mr Williamson was one of the founder members of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), which seeks to achieve equality for all in Jamaica’s society. Conference further deplores the attacks by an active minority in the private homes of gay […]

BEST PRACTICE IN BLOOD COLLECTION FOR POTENTIAL DONORS

Conference requires the NLGC to have a meeting with the National Blood Service and Department of Health to ensure that “best practice” and inclusive processes are in place when blood collection in workplaces is taking place. Conference is concerned that when blood collection takes place in workplaces individuals could be “outed” when gay men who […]

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST POTENTIAL BLOOD DONORS

This Conference is dismayed that gay and bisexual men are still discriminated against by the National Blood Service, by being denied the opportunity to give blood. Conference is concerned that this is perpetuating an unwelcome and damaging myth that all gay and bisexual men present a danger to the health of others when, in fact, […]

FALSE ALLEGATIONS

Many of us have fought for years for equality in all areas. We have had some successes, including some excellent employment laws. However, as many lesbians and gay men are aware, these laws can sometimes be used against us and when they are there is very little in the way of information and support. Take […]

LEARNING DISABILITY ISSUES

Conference recognises there is increasing recognition of issues facing LGBT service users, in particular welcoming the publication of “Not Just a Friend” giving guidance on the recognition of same sex relationships. Conference further welcomes that equality and diversity have been recognised as core standards in the NHS and also recognises that the Local Government Association […]

PALESTINE

Conference notes that UNISON and its former partner unions have called for many years for peace with justice for the Palestinian people and for a solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict based upon international law including particularly: 1.Israeli withdrawal to the borders of 4 June 1967; 2.The right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their […]

ILGA EUROPE

Conference congratulates UNISON for it’s participation in ILGA Europe and recognises the important role ILGA Europe has in advising and campaigning on behalf of the citizens of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Conference recognises that as the European Union states have developed that the constitutional structure of the UK has also developed into […]

Email policy

Conference notes the increasing use of email as a means of communicating with lay members, activists and officers within the union. With this increased use of email some disabled members are being disenfranchised and placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to others for reasons related to their disability. Branches need to be made aware that […]

UNISON Buildings and Accessibility

Conference calls on the National Disabled Members’ Committee to campaign vigorously to the National Executive Council to ensure that all UNISON buildings conform to the Discrimination Disability Act 1995 (DDA) amended regulations relating to disabled access. The union has had five years to update its buildings and we expect UNISON to set an example to […]

Employability

Conference remains concerned that public sector employers do not have substantial and positive strategies for employing people with learning and physically disabilities. There are currently over a million disabled people in the UK who want work but cannot access employment. We are particularly concerned that existing arrangements within the disability benefit and tax credit systems […]

Public Transport

We have serious concerns regarding the commitment of the rail industry towards disabled people. Many stations have no ramps or lifts and platforms are only accessible by bridges across the tracks. When stations are refurbished disabled access on them does not improve either which clearly shows a lack of commitment towards disabled people using the […]

Disability Discrimination and Health and Safety at Work

Conference welcomes guidance produced by the European Safety and Health Agency that says that health and safety issues should not be used as an excuse for not employing or not continuing to employ disabled people. Its factsheet adds that a workplace that is accessible and safe for disabled people is also safer and more accessible […]

People with HIV

Conference welcomes the government’s response to the report of the joint committee on the draft disability bill with its commitment to extend the Disability Discrimination Act to provide new anti-discrimination measures for people with HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis that will be implemented in December 2005. We are pleased that these disabled people will no […]

The Disability Two Ticks Symbol

The disability two ticks symbol is a charter mark awarded through Job Centre Plus, Department for Works & Pensions (DWP) and is available to any organisation that can prove and attain five standards: 1)to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities; […]

Pay Per Mile Driving

Conference is concerned about the government’s plans to abolish road tax and petrol duty, charging motorists instead on a per mile basis to travel. A driver or passenger entitled to the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance should be exempt from any new charges. Pay per mile driving could be particularly detrimental to […]