To mark World AIDS Day, the regional LGBT+ group hosted an inspiring parliamentary reception, with Deirdre Costigan MP, as part of the Year of LGBT+ Workers campaign. Members from across the region gathered, along with MPs and activists from leading HIV charities to discuss the critical issue of HIV stigma in the workplace and the important work being undertaken regionally on this issue. The event also saw the launch of UNISON’s new model policy on supporting workers living with HIV.
The importance of this work is clear. In 2021, 36% of new HIV diagnoses in the UK were in London. However, certain groups remain disproportionately affected by late diagnoses, with 56% of people of Black African ethnicity and 50% of women being diagnosed late. Late diagnoses lead to worse health outcomes and underscore the need for greater awareness and early testing.
The reception was opened by Anu Prashar and Terry Eastham, Co-Chairs of the regional LGBT+ Committee, who gave an overview of the work that’s been done this year, and why this was chosen as a priority for the Committee as part of Year of LGBT+ Workers.
Pictured from left to right; Jo Galloway, Regional Secretary; Anu Prashar, Regional LGBT+ Committee Co-Chair; Terry Eastham, Regional LGBT+ Committee Co-Chair
The reception also featured powerful speeches, including from Deirdre Costigan MP, who reaffirmed the Labour Government’s commitment to ending new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030. On Friday (29 November), Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new funding to bolster this pledge. He said; “I am determinded this generation will be the one that ends new cases of HIV within England by 2030”.
Pictured: Deirdre Costigan MP
Pictured from left to right; John Gray, Regional Finance Convenor and Chair of Regional Labour Link; Yvonne Green, Regional Convenor; Dawn Butler MP; Joseph Ogundemuren
Attendees also heard from Jo Galloway, Regional Secretary, who reinforced UNISON’s commitment to this campaign and made it clear, that as the largest trade union in the country, we will continue to lead the way in tackling HIV stigma and related discrimination in all forms.
Daron Oram from the National AIDS Trust (NAT) spoke about the important work they have done this year in the developing the HIV Confident Charter, which aims to have member organisations commit to tangible actions to tackling HIV stigma in their workplaces. UNISON has been actively part of the development of this Charter, and branches are encouraged to advocate for their employer to sign up.
Pictured: Daron Oram, National AIDS Trust
Eugene Lynch from the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) spoke about their personal experience with HIV, and emphasised the isolating impact of HIV stigma. Eugene also spoke about THT’s Postive Voices initiative, which is a team of volunteers who provide informative talks and education sessions about their personal experiences of living with HIV. You can find out more here.
Pictured: Eugene Lynch, Terrence Higgins Trust
The talks underscored the importance of this campaign, and highlighted that many workers and employers remain unaware that people with HIV are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which treats HIV as a disability from the point of diagnosis.
To address these issues, UNISON has been working with NAT to promote the HIV Confident Charter and has launched a model policy to support workers with HIV. These tools aim to educate employers, tackle stigma, and ensure equitable treatment in workplaces.
How can you support this campaign?
- Hold an HIV Awareness training session in your branch. Contact Rosie Sammut r.sammut@unison.co.uk for more information
- Work with your UNISON branch to encourage your employer to adopt the new model policy for supporting workers with HIV
- Work with your UNISON branch to urge your employer sign up to NAT’s HIV Confident Charter
- Educate yourself and others through NAT’s and THT’s resources, including Positive Voices
Keep us informed with what you’re doing to tackle HIV stigma in your workplace! Email Rosie r.sammut@unison.co.uk
