Silent epidemic of discrimination against working mothers

UNISON is calling for “a cultural shift” to end discrimination against pregnant women and mothers returning to work.  The union, which has 1m women in membership, called it a disgrace that a new survey (see BBC report) has found that more than one in four mothers feel discriminated against.

This survey shows the slow rate of progress since 2005 when the Equal Opportunities Inquiry into Pregnancy Discrimination found that each year 45% of working women
experienced pregnancy discrimination.

Karen Jennings, Assistant General Secretary of UNISON, said:

“It is a disgrace that in 2013 women should still be missing out on promotion or treated as second class workers.

“This research shows that the Equality Act is failing working mothers as thousands of women continue to suffer in silence while bosses discriminate in the shadows.

“Many women feel pressured into returning to work before they are ready, to try and protect their position in the workplace.  This is a growing problem with employers targeting women returners for redundancy selection, despite the legislation.

“Unless there is a wholesale cultural shift across workplaces this silent epidemic is only going to get worse.  The introduction of tribunal fees is making it more difficult for women to challenge discrimination by employers, coupled with rampant cuts to employment rights.”

“UNISON is continuing its case for a Judicial Review into fees for employment tribunals and has also vowed to cover the cost for its members.”

ENDS


See this news release on the UK website

Lobby of Glasgow City Council to oppose social care cuts through personalisation

Thu 28 June 2012

Trade unionists, service users, carers, community groups and members of the public will gather in Glasgow today (Thursday) to lobby against damaging social care cuts in the city.

This is Glasgow’s first council meeting since the election and members of the Defend Glasgow Services campaign – a group set up by trade unions, community organisations and community campaigners to fight the cuts – will urge councillors to make personalisation a positive choice, not a cuts agenda.

Brian Smith, of UNISON’s Glasgow City branch, said: “It’s time for our elected officials to listen to what’s really going on across the city, to hear how people are hurting as a result of these cuts, and to be brave enough to change it.

“We support the principle that everyone should have choice and control over their care, but this has to be a real choice, not the only option because all of the services have been cut.”

The DGS campaign is calling on the personalisation process to be halted, for funding to be maintained and for meaningful and genuine consultation with service users to take place.

Mandy McDowall, UNISON’s Regional Organiser for social work, said: “People are concerned and angry about Glasgow Council using personalisation of care services as cover for budget cuts - rather than empowering users and carers.

"UNISON believes that the personalisation and transformation of social care has been introduced without adequate funding, with the focus being on reducing the cost of supporting individuals and reducing the proportion of provision in the public sector and potentially the voluntary sector.

“Glasgow really needs to get things right with personalisation before it rolls it out further.”

Simon MacFarlane, UNISON’s Regional Organiser for the community and voluntary sector, said: “These cuts are hitting the most vulnerable the hardest and we need to ensure funding for these vital services is maintained.

“The services being provided to people across Glasgow has turned into a postcode lottery and it’s not good enough. We need services that people can rely on and we’re calling for fairness, transparency and an end to social care cuts.”

ENDS

Lobby from 12.30pm in George Square - see flyer here

Confirmed speakers at the event include:Idem Lewis, who is himself a service user, and will be speaking on behalf of the Learning Disability Alliance
Brian Smith, branch secretary of UNISON’s Glasgow City branch, speaking on behalf of the Defend Glasgow Services campaign
Simon MacFarlane, UNISON’s Regional Organiser, speaking on behalf of the community and voluntary sector
Mandy McDowall, UNISON’s Regional Organiser, speaking on behalf of social workers
Norma Curran, from the Campaign for a Fair Society
Claire Cairns, from the Coalition for Carers

.

UNISON hopes new guide will Make a Difference in challenging Gypsy Traveller discrimination

Date: 29 March 2012

UNISON Scotland has today (Thursday) launched a guide to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by Gypsy Travellers and to offer advice to its members on effectively engaging with these communities.

UNISON produced the booklet – Make a Difference! – in partnership with Gypsy Travellers. It is designed to challenge the prejudices surrounding the community, dispel some of the common myths and to provide occupational guidance for members who are most likely to engage with these communities.

The guide offers a series of practical steps to manage issues such as housing, health and education and how to meet the current needs and expectations of the Gypsy Traveller community. It includes useful background information on their culture and heritage and some of the key obstacles the community faces in accessing services.

Dave Watson, UNISON’s Scottish Organiser, said: 
“We recognise that many of our members interface with the Gypsy Traveller community and many members are unaware of the issues facing the community and the legal framework.

“People are essential to the quality of service provided and it is vital that we support our members who deliver these services. We hope this guide will not only provide useful advice but also help highlight the very real problems that are routinely experienced by this community.”

Stephen Smellie, UNISON’s Vice Convener, said: 
“The harassment and discrimination Scottish Gypsy Travellers face on a daily basis – including access to employment, justice and social care – is one of Scotland’s hidden shames.

“Everyone has a part to play in challenging racism and we hope that by exposing some of the key myths surrounding the Gypsy Traveller community, we can break down some of the barriers that exist and promote greater accessibility to services.” 

ENDS

Note to editors

1.     The booklet – Make a Difference! – will be distributed to members via local branches and is available online. To download a copy of the booklet please visit www.unison-scotland.org.uk/gypsytravellers

.