DisabilityProspect is committed to fighting for equality of opportunity for all our members. In the context of disability equality, we believe that all workplaces, and society generally, will benefit from an inclusive environment.
We believe that people are disabled by the barriers that stand in the way of their participation in society and in the workplace. These barriers can be physical and attitudinal and by tackling them we can ensure full participation, to everyones benefit. This is the social model that we encourage our representatives to adopt in their workplace negotiations.
The Disability Discrimination Act has been amended to introduce a public sector duty to promote disability equality and eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. This new duty comes into effect in December 2006. Although it only applies in the public sector, we are encouraging all our representatives to ensure that the good practice associated with implementing this new duty is introduced in all workplaces. The union provides advice and guidance to members and representatives in promoting equality for disabled members and tackling disability discrimination in the workplace. This includes: - understanding what reasonable adjustments may be required in the workplace
- ensuring that absence management policies take account of individuals disabilities where necessary
- negotiating a period of disability leave, to enable the employee and employer to adjust where an individual has become disabled or their disability changes in some way
- ensuring that employers take account of disabilities issues in all their policies, such as recruitment and retention, promotion, training, redeployment, redundancy situations.
Members and representatives should logon and view the document library for Prospect's guidance and briefings on disability issues. NetworksProspect encourages participation of disabled members at all levels of the union. We have a disabled members network which seeks comments on proposals by the union and employers, and updates members about appropriate courses and campaigns. Members of the network can contact and support each other. The network is an important source of expertise for Prospect. See the terms of reference on the main equalities page.
Civil Service dyslexia contact group
A group has been established by Civil Servants to meet and discuss the problems that they encounter and offer support with solutions and advice with regard to dyslexia. The Civil Service Dyslexia Contact Group offers the following:
Other dyslexic staff to talk to if you think you are dyslexic
Other dyslexic staff to talk to if you are dyslexic and want advice
People to talk to if you think someone you manage is dyslexic
On going group support for dyslexic staff from colleagues with dyslexia
Advice and support is also available to people who are developing policy on employment and also welfare issues with regard to dyslexia. There are now a substantial amount of members at present from different Departments. The group meets after work every month in London but are also looking at expanding outside London.
For more information, please e-mail or phone:
George Major
Tel: 020 7340 6603
E:mail: george.major@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk If you send an e-mail, please include a telephone number in your message LinksThe Disability Rights Commission (DRC) was established in April 2000 to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people. Prospect has joined the Trade Union Disability Alliance, which is a campaigning organisation for disabled trade union members. The Multiple Sclerosis Society has published Working with MS, a guide for individuals and employers on good practice in the employment of people with MS. There is also a very useful FAQ on employment and MS. The society also has a helpline number for anyone affected by MS: 0808 800 8000.
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