New branch breaks new disability ground

One of UNISON Scotland's newest branches is setting the trend with a ground-breaking agreement to deliver disability leave for their members, which starts this month.

UNISON's NHS24 Branch has negotiated the first agreement in the Scottish NHS, which means that members with a recognised disability covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) qualify for up to 6 weeks disability leave per year with the possibility of that being extended in consultation with the Human Resources section, TU Rep and line manager.

The leave is assessed separately from sick leave and takes members out of the normal attendance management processes. It is recognised as a 'reasonable adjustment' under the DDA.

Heather Mason, NHS24 Branch Chairperson said, "This is a big achievement for our small branch and more importantly for our members and really shows the strength of a big union.

"UNISON were the only union to specifically champion disability and push for this agreement, and this is acknowledged within the policy.

"We first brought it up within NHS24 following last year's Health Conference. We used the UNISON model agreement and, after considerable pressure from myself and our Equalities Officer, Nan Kinning, it was decided in November last year to introduce such a policy.

"I think I am right in saying that NHS24 are the first Health Board in Scotland to pursue this and certainly it is now being looked at by UNISON for introduction across the Scottish NHS."

The model agreement and other background information is on UNISON's UK website at www.unison.org.uk/bargaining/equalities.asp

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