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Media Centre > News Releases > HIV awareness seminars

EPF partner launches employment seminars in Cambridgeshire

18th April 2007

DHIVERSE together with Directions Plus and Taylor Vinters solicitors are holding a series of free employment seminars and networking lunches examining developments in disability law, specifically around HIV and hidden disabilities and the impact upon your business.

The seminars, held on the 10th May in Huntingdon, the 14th May in Newmarket and the 16th May in Cambridge, will give attendees information about HIV and employment and there will also be a free networking lunch for businesses in and around the local area.

Since the amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act legislation (DDA), which came in to force in December 2005, employees living with HIV, cancer or certain mental health conditions have been covered by the legislation from the point of diagnosis.

Despite this, many employers are not aware of the impact the DDA can cause for their business. Over the past few years there have been an overall increase in the number of employment tribunal claims, and award sizes in disability cases have increased 89% between 2003 and 2004.

These seminars will examine issues of disability and how to ensure that your business complies with the law and raise awareness of the benefits employing people with disabilities can bring to your company.

The aims of the programme are to increase understanding of the issues related to HIV and hidden disabilities within the workplace.

In addition employers will be informed of positive employment policies and the law itself and services and support which are available locally.

The seminars will also increase the level of understanding of HIV transmission and risks and how much people living with HIV and other disabilities can contribute to the workplace and economy.

Some of the organisations that have been already supported by the programme took a great deal from it.

A local HR Director said:

“It helped me to see my way in developing policies and procedures my protect my business and ensure the needs of my employees are best met.”

Tony Claydon, Employment Support Worker at DHIVERSE said:

“With the improvements in HIV treatment many people with HIV are now looking to return to work, and represent an important resource for the labour market. Recent changes in disability law have made it vital for employers to respond to disability issues within their workplace.”

To book, please contact Tony Claydon on 01223 508806 or e-mail tony@dhiverse.org.uk

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Notes

1.  DHIVERSE is a leading HIV and sexual health charity within East Anglia, established in 1986 it is one of the oldest HIV organisations in the country. www.dhiverse.org.uk

2. Taylor Vinters solicitors have a national reputation and offer a practical and rounded approach on all aspects of the employment world.

3. Directions Plus is the only pan Disability Information and Advice Service for Cambridgeshire. They offer advice to employers on all aspects of disability and advice to anyone living with a disability.

4. Ensuring Positive Futures (EPF) is an innovative employability programme for people living with HIV in the UK, run by a partnership of organisations including major HIV charities, businesses, government bodies and trades unions working together to support people living with HIV in the workplace.

Contact

For more information , or to arrange an interview please contact the Dhiverse Cambridge Office on 01223 508805 or out of hours, Luke on 07980 239187.