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 […]
Conference motions
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 […]
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 […]
This conference is concerned that the new system for recording workplace sickness absence ‘Fit Notes’ is not providing adequate support to disabled women who are returning to work after periods of absence. In particular we are concerned that some parts of the medical profession fail to understand how public service workplaces are organised, the negotiated […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Conference notes that retired members are included among the total number of UNISON members for affiliation to the Trades Union Congress. Conference further notes that the present method of representation to the Annual Conference of the TUC does not include any retired members. Conference further believes that the present method of representation of retired trades […]
Conference regrets that the latest excess winter deaths statistics for England and Wales has risen by a 49% increase in the period December 2008 to March 2009 (National Pensioners Convention statistics). An estimated 36,700 older people died of cold related illness compared to 25,300 the previous winter, which is 11,400 more. Statistics are not available […]
Shopping is a nightmare for older people and people with disabilities. Packaging – especially that used for food items – can be very difficult for arthritic and crippled old fingers to get into. Older people’s eyes find small print a problem. Yet health authorities recommend that people should read the nutrition information on food packaging. […]
The arrangements for outpatients who have to attend hospitals to keep appointments, and who have need of transport from home to the NHS establishment, are not on a NATIONAL basis and are consequently not acceptable. The Minister responsible for transport to and from NHS establishments must authorise an appropriate national system that will end the […]
As the value of the state pension has fallen by a huge amount since 1979, many pensioners are eligible for means-tested additions. The application forms for these additions are long and complicated. Often more than one form is required to determine other pensioner benefits. Many pensioners do not claim these benefits partly because of lack […]
Conference may be aware that the National Pensioners’ Convention has consistently campaigned to enable pensioners to receive their pension payments by giro if they so wish. Despite a considerable amount of pressure and bullying from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), around 200,000 pensioners continue so to do. However, it is now known that […]
Conference Instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to liaise with the National Pensioners’ Convention, Trades Union Congress and all appropriate organisations to campaign for the development of a National Care Service, to provide for all in need, totally free care as required, to live in a comfortable and […]
Conference welcomes the decision by UNISON to introduce equality reps in the workplace. Conference believes that such a move will ensure a greater awareness of equality issues in the workplace and encourage a more proactive approach to ensuring that the bargaining agenda reflects the need to mainstream equality and prevent discrimination. The role of disabled […]