As part of UK Disability History Month, the TUC has published a guide to help workplace representatives support union members with invisible disabilities.
If a person's impairment is not visibly obvious, their right to reasonable adjustments at work may not be recognised as easily, or worse, their disability could be treated with disbelief.
You Don't Look Disabled provides information on: the role unions can play; the equality laws supporting disabled workers; and case studies illustrating how problems can be addressed to stop or prevent discrimination.
FDA Executive Committee member David Chrimes, who is a part of the TUC Disabled Workers' Committee, said:
“On behalf of the FDA, I was delighted to contribute to the TUC's new guidance.
“The document contains some very helpful case studies, including several where the FDA has been able to assist members in removing discrimination and generally improving their wellbeing at work.
“The guidance emphasises both the FDA and TUC's commitment to increasing awareness of non-visible disability and improving the working lives of our members.”
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:
“We hope that the TUC guidebook will have practical value in every workplace.
“Some of the prejudice that needs to be addressed results from lack of understanding, so a great deal can be achieved through workplace education.
“But for problems of deeper rooted, and institutional discrimination, the guidebook also covers the legal framework for pursuing just outcomes for disabled people.
“By joining a trade union, disabled people can get help representing their interests at work.”
Read the TUC guide: You Don't Look Disabled
