Unite the Union calls for action on stress at work on the
International Day of Disabled People
3 December 2009
Unite the Union has called for action to support the millions of
workers faced with the daily impact of stress at work on the
International Day of Disabled People (Thursday, 3 December).
Diana Holland, Unite Assistant General Secretary for Equalities
& Organising said: ‘Stress at work is a serious health and
safety issue. Unite’s organising campaign in the Finance Sector has
highlighted the stress caused by unpaid overtime demands, unfair
targets and unfair bonus culture.’
‘When not addressed, the impact on workers can be long-term and
not just harmful to health and well-being, but to pay and job
security too.’
‘While disability discrimination is unlawful, it still happens, and
mental health issues related to stress at work are not necessarily
recognised as disability equality issues.’
‘On the International Day of Disabled People, disabled workers need
to know they have the support of our union. Too many workers who
become disabled lose their jobs, and in the current climate, we
have to be ever vigilant that disabled people are not unfairly
targeted for redundancy.’
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, in his message on the day, said:
‘We are all vulnerable to disability, temporary or permanent,
especially as we grow older. In most countries, at least one person
in 10 is disabled by physical, mental or sensory impairment. A
quarter of the global population is directly affected by
disability, as care-givers or family members.’
‘Persons with disabilities encounter many disadvantages. They
are often among the poorest and most excluded members of society.
Yet they routinely show tremendous resilience, and achieve great
heights in all spheres of human endeavour.’
‘On this International Day, let us pledge to break down the
barriers to participation and access which persons with
disabilities face in their daily lives. Let us empower them as an
indispensable means for achieving the Millennium Development Goals
and development for all.’
For more information on Unite in the Finance & Legal Sector,
please contact :
Rob MacGregor, National Finance & Legal Sector: rob.macgregor@unitetheunion.org
Cath Speight, National Officer Finance & Legal Sector:
cath.speight@unitetheunion.org
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