In 2019, UNISON’s National Delegate Conference agreed to make 2021 the Year Of Disabled Workers in recognition of the issues and disadvantages faced by our disabled members and to celebrate the contribution workers with disabilities make to the workplace.
Despite being postponed as a result of the Covid pandemic that has had a devastating impact on disabled workers’ lives, this fantastic year-long celebration will now take place in 2022 and we have a huge range of workshops and webinars on offer.
Toolkit
We have also launched a toolkit for branches and activists with guides and factsheets to help you get the most out of the year and to support you organising disabled workers.
Check out the Year of Disabled Workers Toolkit
Workshops and Webinars
To book your place on any of these events please email Member Learning at membereducationse@unison.co.uk with your membership number.
Please note: all courses listed below will take place from 1:00pm-2:00pm
14 July | Long Covid and Post Viral Disorders
We will examine:
- What is Long Covid
- What other post viral disorders affect people in the workplace?
- Are they a Disability covered by the Equality Act 2010?
- How can UNISON support members impacted by post viral illnesses?
16 August | Endometriosis Awareness
There are many medical issues affecting women that are not fully understood, largely due to the historical exclusion of women in society
Know what endometriosis is, know the causes and symptoms
Understand what it is like to live with endometriosis
Discover ways UNISON can support members with endometriosis
21 September | Understanding Dementia (World Alzheimer’s Day)
We will examine what is meat by the term “dementia.”
Discuss causes and types of dementia
Consider how having dementia affects the way a person behaves and functions.
10 October | Mental Health Awareness (World Mental Health Day)
Discuss Mental Health and how it affects all of us. Consider how some conditions are stigmatised in the media and the impact this has on mental health in the workplace.
How can UNISON help to minimise discrimination for those affected?
4 November | The Disability Pay Gap (Disability Pay Gap Day)
Beyond this date in November, disabled people are working for free. This webinar looks at the disability pay gap, which is the difference between the median hourly pay of disabled and non-disabled people, and the disability employment gap, which is the difference between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people.
5 December | Understanding Access to Work (International Day of People Living with Disabilities Dec 3)
Learn more about Access to Work. It is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help you start working, stay in work, move into self-employment or start a business.
Past courses and events:
12 January | Disabled Members Working from Home and Reasonable Adjustments
To what extent does the Equality Act protect disabled members who are now working from home, and what can UNISON do to support them.
4 February | Cancer in the Workplace (World Cancer Day)
- Find out more about cancer in the workplace, and the impact of Covid
- How to support colleagues experiencing cancer-related ill-health
4 March | Understanding Access to Work
Learn more about Access to Work. It is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help you start working, stay in work, move into self-employment or start a business.
14 March | Understanding Epilepsy (International Epilepsy Day)
This workshop will provide an oversight into epilepsy. It will explore what it is, incidence in the UK, causes, how to respond particularly to older people, children and those with a learning disability, seizures and their management, trigger factors, and treatment.
4 April | Autism Awareness (World Autism Awareness Day 2 April)
Autism is a term which covers a wide range of conditions that reflect neurological differences among people. We will examine how workplaces cause problems for members with autism and how UNISON can help, using legislation to fight discrimination.
3 May | Dealing with Asthma in the Workplace (World Asthma Day)
Since the pandemic, the issues facing workers with asthma have been highlighted but are they really better understood? Learn how to support colleagues with asthma and learn more about this life threatening condition.
20 June | Understanding Learning Disabilities (Learning Disability Week)
This workshop will be led by UNISON organisers who have learning disabilities. We will discuss a range of associated problems and share experiences on how to support colleagues in the workplace who may be struggling with discrimination, bullying, or lack of opportunity.
