Access to reasonable adjustments is an essential right of disabled people, which can remove barriers to their equal participation at work. However, the onus is often placed on the worker themselves to advocate for their needs and to justify the benefit of an adjustment, even sometimes to other colleagues.
When reasonable adjustments are not in place, disabled workers work at a detriment. Reasonable adjustments are therefore an essential and important trade union lever for advancing equality.
At this time, long-Covid is possibly disproportionately impacting certain professions, including teaching. Preventing the spread of the virus remains vital, but also to ensure that workers are being taken seriously when they display symptoms and are given the support they need, immediately.
Equality Reps can play an essential role in improving employers and members’ own understanding of what is possible in relation to reasonable adjustments and to promote greater openness around the real impact of long-Covid, as an important equality issue at this time.
Possible actions for Equality Reps
Further information
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