The law exists to prevent discrimination and punish those who discriminate. You have the legal right to complain about racism in the workplace and not be victimised because of your complaint. “Race” includes skin colour, nationality, ethnicity and country of origin. This is a follow on course for stewards or union representatives who wish to know the basics of employment law. Positive action is a form of lawful discrimination that is allowed if a particular racial group is under-represented in the workplace or if that group is reasonably thought to suffer from a particular disadvantage. UNISON is committed to fighting racism and discrimination for its members at work and in their communities. This is why UNISON takes a lead Can't find the answer you're looking for here? Welcome to UNISON North West. However, it is not legal for an employer to employ a person on the grounds of race, although applications can be encouraged. And it’s demoralizing. Similar provisions apply to encourage members of particular racial groups to get involved within trade unions, employers’ associations or any professional or trade organisations. In fact, it’s the most insidious form. Edition 5. This may include support and training for people of a particular racial group. We are engaging with employers to ensure there are robust policies in place. We offer free Anti-oppression, Access and Inclusion training to all staff and have a special committee working on various initiatives to promote anti-oppression and inclusion both within Unison and in the communities we serve. Black workers are over represented in low paid, temporary or casual employment and […] Terms and conditions. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. This training is aimed at reps that are representing disabled members and negotiating with employers in the context of Covid-related issues, attendees will have a sound knowledge of how the definition of disability applies under the Equality Act and how the different types of disability discrimination work. Remember, discrimination need not be a deliberate act and people may not know they are discriminating. Using cases it will enable participants to better understand when discrimination occurs directly and indirectly. UNISON campaigns and lobbies on key issues affecting our members and the public at large. The union has written to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to underline the increased risks to staff, urging the body to update their advice. UNISON has set groups for people who have interests in common, and who have traditionally been under-represented in many organisations. It is against the law for your employer to treat you unfairly because you're disabled - check if your problem at work is discrimination. Black members have many of the same concerns as other members regarding access to employment, pay, promotion and training. You cannot, for example, be called to a disciplinary meeting for complaining that you have been discriminated against at work. This section is for Black members. No-one – young or old – should be treated differently at work because of their age. But too many working people still face prejudice and discrimination. Race Discrimination Protocol. A damning new report from Stonewall has highlighted transgender discrimination in the workplace. UNISON is urging employers to review their workplace risk assessments and safety measures in light of the increase in the more infectious variant of COVID-19. The information and resources on this page have been developed to support activities by UNISON branches and members to challenge the toxic debate around immigration. Employment Anti-Discrimination Law Legislation is in place to protect members across a range of grounds. It is unlawful to treat a person unfavourably at work because of sexual orientation. UNISON campaigns for fairer pay and conditions for all workers, regardless of their gender. Equality Act 2010 - discrimination and your rights Equality Advisory Support Service discrimination helpline Equality Act 2010 - spotting discrimination - chart Contact your UNISON rep for more information. This may be done by direct or indirect evidence. You should speak to your UNISON rep immediately, and in the meantime make a record of any incidents. Your UNISON rep can help you stop bullying and create a safer workplace. UNISON works to end discrimination and promote equality for all. Equality is at the heart of UNISON. Discrimination can happen in any of these areas, and may be direct or indirect. Other types of unfair treatment. Around 20% of the workforce is disabled and disabled people are often discriminated against at work. In the public sector, the Equality Act 2010 requires employers to have “due regard” of the need to eliminate discrimination, victimisation and harassment and to the need to advance equality of opportunity. “The 1980s had been a heady time to be a young lesbian in South East London. UNISON is the public service union, where workers from a wide variety of sectors and roles come together to get a better deal. Black members in UNISON work to improve equality in the workplace and challenge racism and discrimination. One of England's biggest hospital trusts has been accused of "institutionalised racism" after a senior manager it sacked won almost £1m in damages for racial discrimination and unfair dismissal. UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions, serving more than 1.3 million members. Your employer must take all reasonable practicable steps to prevent racial harassment at work. Introduction UNISON believes that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work. Black members in UNISON work to improve equality in the workplace and challenge racism and discrimination. Thirty years ago,” muses Carola Towle of her work at NALGO and then UNISON, leading the union’s fight for LGBT+ equality. Discrimination Employment law provides protection for workers against discrimination at work on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, disability and the membership or non-membership of a trade union. Racial discrimination legislation covers all aspects of employment, including: In certain circumstances, it can extend to protection after the working relationship has ended. Remember, strict time limits apply when claiming discrimination at work (usually three months less one day), (the time limit in Northern Ireland is usually three months exactly) so make sure you contact your rep immediately. With 200,000 members, we are the biggest union in the region and we are growing. UNISON has asked government ministers to resolve problems with the supply of equipment and to provide clearer advice about what you need to protect you at work. Equality is a high priority in our negotiating and campaigning work. Using cases it will enable participants to better understand when discrimination occurs directly and indirectly. The most common form of sexual orientation discrimination is harassment, such as prejudiced comments or abuse, exclusion or over-supervision. Government guidance outlines the key workers who must remain active to deliver this education provision in England, which includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and specialist education professio… Yes, provided you put in your claim promptly, and usually within six months of leaving your job. These groups are … In the public sector, the Equality Act 2010 requires employers to have “due regard” of the need to eliminate discrimination, victimisation and harassment and … Tell your UNISON rep of the matter also, so they can support you and help you resolve the issue. Disability Discrimination Law. Disability Discrimination Law You also have the right not to be victimised for taking action against racial discrimination. The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Act immediately if you think you are being discriminated against. Equality Commission for Northern Ireland publications, Thompsons Solicitors guide to the Equality Act, Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2019. Join … Your employer must take all reasonable practicable steps to prevent racial harassment at work. Challenging discrimination and winning equality is at the heart of everything UNISON does. UNISON believes health and safety in the workplace is an issue for everyone. The High Court (Moses LJ, Irwin J) today delivered judgment in the important judicial review proceedings brought by UNISON to challenge the fees regime introduced in the employment tribunal and EAT. UNISON works to end discrimination and promote equality for all. This one day workshop will provide information on the various laws which protect people on the grounds of disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation and age. At work and in life, Black women face everyday discrimination and systemic racism. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice. Religion discrimination in the workplace is also on the increase. In Northern Ireland, this is permitted to meet specific needs such as training etc to enable a racial group to compete for particular work if that group is under-represented in that area of work. In Northern Ireland this is addressed by Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 (FETO”). People of every race are entitled to equal rights at work. UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its LGBT+ members. Discrimination can occur while you are at school, at work, or in a public place, such as a mall or subway station. We’re working to protect and improve the public services, win equal pay and employment rights for everyone, improve safety in the workplace and end discrimination and harassment at work. 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