Disabled members

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National news

Ban bullying at work

(07/11/07) All workers have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, says UNISON

Equality to the fore

(29/10/07) We must do more to remove barriers, disabled members' conference vows.

Union fights for a “lifeline” for disabled people

(22/6/07) Government must keep its word on Access to Work

Promoting good practice

(21/05/07) Disabled college staff urged to stand up for equality duty
News list >

Disabled people experience discrimination at work. UNISON challenges discriminatory actions and campaigns for a fair deal for disabled members.

UNISON supports the Social Model of Disability. We believe it is the way society organises that creates barriers to inclusion and prevents disabled people from taking an equal part in life. As a union we campaign on important issues such as:

  • Inaccessible workplaces
  • Information systems that don't include disabled people's access needs
  • Negative attitudes and prejudices from employers

UNISON's priorities on disability are led by the union's own disabled members. Our union is committed to taking on the issues from those who know them best.

What we're doing now

Access to Work - Guidance from the National Disabled Members Committee for UNISON branches and Disabled members

There are nearly 8 million disabled people in Britain, over half of whom are of working age and are able to work. According to research carried out by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). Disabled people who have got a job are far more likely to be employed in insecure and/or part time work.

UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

UNISON Branches have a proud record of protecting our disabled members rights at work and making sure disabled members have opportunities to be active in the union.

Government public consultation about specialist employment services to disabled people

The Government is running a public consultation about specialist employment services to disabled people and Unison will be submitting a response.

Government charts progress towards disability equality

(10/12/07) The Department of Work and Pensions issued a press release on 5th December regarding the publication of the second annual report into the government's goal of equality for disabled people by 2025 from the Office for Disability Issues (ODI).

Access all areas

(20/1/05) The Disability Discrimination Act has now been extended to cover provision of services, a move that will affect the public sector in big ways. It may also mean an end to the last form of acceptable discrimination. Read all about it here

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CONTACT DETAILS
• For urgent help and advice at work to go Help at Work.
• UNISON's policy officer working on disability issues is Gloria Foran.
UNISON Disabled members
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
Email: disabilityissues@unison.co.uk
Recent documents

Disabled members' conference 2008 - bulletin

The bulletin for UNISON's 2008 Disabled Members' conference, containing all the relevant documents and forms.
Link to a PDF document on this siteDisabled members' conference 2008 - bulletin (1086601 bytes)

Mental Health in the Workplace

The TUC has produced a new booklet on Mental Health in the Workplace. It is a guide for Trade Union Reps and give advice on how unions should approach and represent members with mental health issues.
Link to a PDF document on this siteMental Health in the Workplace [PDF]

Disabled members caucus leaflet

A voice for you at UNISON's disabled members' conference - details of caucus meetings.
Link to a PDF document on this siteDisabled members caucus leaflet

Disabled Members' Conference 2007: record of decisions

Decisions and ballot results from October's conference in Harrogate
Link to a PDF document on this siteDisabled Members' Conference 2007: record of decisions