Union trains reps to take up disability issues

Britain's second-largest union will soon have its first group of "disability champions."

The Amicus technical and finance union has launched a project to train and support workplace or safety reps to work with their employers to build disability-friendly workplaces.

The union says this means the new disability champions will create "a truly enabling workplace where disabled workers and job seekers can realise their full potential." It adds that disability champions will be key contacts for disabled workers, and will be able to visit a dedicated website for support, advice and up-to-date information.

At one recent weekend school on disability run by the union, workshop participants suggested disability champions could:

* find information on and negotiate adjustments;

* ensure adjustments really work;

* monitor degenerative conditions;

* consider health and safety issues, for example around access;

* help workers retire when they want to, and not because they are forced out of work; and

* consider the needs of workers who are carers for disabled dependants looking, for example, at adjustments to work arrangements for them.

The Disability Champion@ork project was initially designed by the union's disability employment rights national advisory committee. It has been awarded £50,000 funding as part of this year's European Year of Disabled People.

The union is holding a series of regional conferences throughout the year where reps can find out more about the project and how to become a disability champion.

For more information, visit www.disabilitychampions.com