For all the information you need about HIV and the world of work go to the ILOAIDS website
For information on HIV as a workplace issue on the TUC website
Information on the DDA on the Disability Rights Commission website
HIV in the workplace, ACAS website
How to take action against discrimination on the DirectGov website
HIV and work: your rights, Unison website
Advice on disclosure on the government disability website
Why is HIV an issue for Trade Unions?
As a Trade Union you will no doubt be familiar about issues concerning racial and sexual discrimination in the workplace and dealing with matters around unfair dismissal and representing your members in all kinds of disputes. But would you know what to do if one of your members had problems with employment because of their HIV status?
EPF has produced this leaflet in partnership with the TUC with basic information on HIV and the workplace.
But you might be unsure as to how a trade union would deal with HIV related issues, or if the workplace in which you represent the workforce even has HIV workplace policy.
The majority of people living with HIV in the UK are of working age; it might surprise you to know that 76% of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK are between the ages of 15 and 39 (source health protection Agency). Therefore it is highly probable that one of your members could be directly or indirectly affected by HIV.
Disability Discrimination Act
Some Trade Unionists have been reluctant about tackling the issues concerning HIV and feel that HIV is no longer an important issue.
However, it still is an area where there are many concerns and discrimination and unfair dismissals are still occurring despite recent amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act in which the DDA was extended to protect people living with HIV from the point of diagnosis.
This means that people living with HIV are protected from discrimination at work and can safely ask for ‘reasonable adjustments’ if they need them.
What can you do as a Trade Union rep?
- Make sure that your employer is committed to equal treatment for people with HIV
- Ensure that staff are provided with adequate training and information on HIV issues and that your members are aware of this
- Actively promote your commitment as a branch to supporting any members facing discrimination or harassment
- Re-examine existing policies or agreements to ensure they reflect the needs of people affected by HIV
This toolkit will give you the guidance and resources you will need to help you safeguard the rights of your members and to negotiate workplace policies around HIV as well as direct you to support and training resources available to you as a Trade Union.
This site is operated by the UK Coalition of People Living with HIV and AIDS, 250 Kennington Lane, London SE115RD. Registered Charity number 1081309, Limited company, Registered Company in England and Wales number 2857569. Reproduction of material on this site is encouraged for non-for-profit or educational purposes on condition that permission is sought first. Ensuring Positive Futures is part of a community programme called Equal, a European Social Fund initiative, which tests and promotes new means of combating all forms of discrimination and inequality in the labour market. The GB Equal Support Unit is managed by ECOTEC.