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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