Workplace Report September 2009

Learning and training news

Dyslexia guidance

The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) general secretary, Matt Wrack, launched the union’s Dyslexia Guidance Document at the FBU’s national Union Learning Rep (ULR) school in July.

The guidance includes a draft policy and risk assessment to aid ULRs and officials when dealing with issues arising from members having dyslexia. It highlights the difficulties individuals with dyslexia face, including the fact that in the workplace adults still hide their dyslexia for fear of losing their jobs and often end up doing jobs at a lower professional level, with lower pay and few promotion prospects.

FBU ULRs and other officials are undergoing awareness training to support FBU members where dyslexia issues arise. The guidance document can be downloaded from the FBU ULF website at www.ulf.fbu.org.uk