Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues in backing UNISON’s recognition of 2022 as the Year of Disabled Workers.

The trade union has been using 2022 to promote disability in the workplace by highlighting the experiences of its disabled members as well as the value and insight that they bring to the union and workplace.

The main aims of the campaign include raising awareness of the social model of disability and the importance of changes to the workplace and working practices, explaining the implications of the disability pay gap as well as how it may be addressed, increasing members’ confidence to self-define as disabled, and increasing the number of disabled activists in UNISON.

The campaign and UNISON’s representation of disabled workers were debated in the Scottish Parliament today, following a motion for Members’ Business, tabled by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, which Mr Whitfield has supported.

Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“UNISON represents some 200,000 disabled members across the UK and has an excellent track record of helping them to voice their concerns and campaign for their rights in the workplaces where they organise.

“I welcomed Pam’s debate and the important focus it placed on the issues UNISON are highlighting through the Year of Disabled Workers, including the disability pay gap.”