Dear colleagues
We are now in the middle of Disability History Month, which started on 16 November, and today is the International Day of People with Disabilities. More info here:
www.tuc.org.uk/national/disability-history-month-2023
The law has been slow to protect the rights of those with disabilities. While it took much too long for UK law to prohibit race and sex discrimination, it was even later, in 1995, that the first law banning discrimination against disabled people was introduced.
There is still a long way to go. At St Mungo’s, we have a sickness policy which discriminates in numerous ways against disabled people and a policy on carers which does too little to support those who care for them. Lack of understanding about disabilities leads to unchallenged (and sometimes unconscious) discrimination. When discrimination blocks workers from making the best use of their abilities, St Mungo’s is less effective and our clients lose out.
As always, your union is at the forefront of fighting unfairness and helping mobilise those who face discrimination to stand up for their rights. If you’re experiencing discrimination, Unite is here to mobilise solidarity and offer appropriate backing with everything from quiet advocacy to legal proceedings. If you need support, please let us know.
Best wishes
Jacob
Jacob Sanders
Unite Convenor, St Mungo’s
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