Last week (21-27 March) was Neurodiversity Celebration Week and in this year that UNISON has dubbed the Year of the Disabled Worker it is right that we acknowledge and celebrate it.
Any workforce needs diversity, those on the neurodiverse spectrum offer so much and enrich our workplaces as well as our movement. Only just over half of disabled people are in work in the UK and this gets even lower with conditions such as autism at around 1 in 5. We need to force employers to make sure their hiring and working practices are suitable for the modern era and that workplaces reflect the society we would find elsewhere. If someone can do a role and is qualified they should not have any unnecessary barriers in front of them. So this is a chance for us to celebrate all our amazing neurodiverse members as well as highlight any stories from them, so please feel you can contact me (milo.jasper.barnett1@gmail.com). On the other hand if you are having any workplace issues on disability and equalities please let UNISON and myself know.
Milo Barnett