Seven ways trade unions support workers with non-visible disabilities

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in an eight-mile wellness walk around the city of Glasgow to raise funds for Diabetes UK, a charity close to my heart. Diabetes UK campaigns for better care, support, and research into new diabetes treatments, as well as a cure.

With the generous support of Community Union, as well as contributions from friends and family, we raised over £500 which will help the charity to provide more support to people who have diabetes.

As someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes and have been insulin dependent since I was 6 years old, I live through the daily challenges of managing this serious health condition. There are over four million people living in the UK who live with diabetes, many of whom are at work – however, as it is a non-visible disability, it is not taken as seriously as it should be.

What is a non-visible disability?

Non-visible disabilities, also known as invisible disabilities, or hidden disabilities, like diabetes are disabilities where symptoms and impacts are not always visible to others. Other examples include HIV, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and more.

Although they are not visible to others, the people who have non-visible conditions need to continuously monitor their symptoms, attend regular hospital visits and appointments, and deal with the burden of having a non-visible disability – all of which can have a serious emotional and physical impact.

Are non-visible disabilities classed as disabilities?

They certainly are! Anyone with a disability, whether it is visible or not are classed as disabled and therefore are protected under the Equality Act 2010. If you have a non-visible disability, your employer has a legal duty to protect you from discrimination, bullying and harassment at work, as well as access to reasonable adjustments to support you.

What role to trade unions have in supporting workers with non-visible disabilities?

Trade Unions like Community play a key role in supporting their members with non-visible disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary workplace accommodations. In addition, we fight to raise awareness of non-visible disabilities and the impact they can have on people at work, both physically and mentally. Here are seven ways that Community can help:

1. By helping to raise awareness of non-visible disabilities, conditions, and symptoms, we reduce the stigma and misconceptions surrounding non-visible disabilities in the workplace.
2. We collaborate with employers, managers, and co-workers about non-visible health conditions to promote a more understanding and supportive work environment.
3. Ensure that our members have access to necessary workplace adjustments, such as a private space for medical needs, ergonomic office equipment, or adjustments to workload and responsibilities during periods of illness.
4. Work together with employers and trade union reps to develop comprehensive workplace policy that supports employees with non-visible disabilities. This includes clear procedures for requesting accommodations, as well as protections against discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
5. Establish peer support groups together with members and reps to provide a sense of community and shared understanding. These groups are vital in offering emotional support, practical advice, and a platform for disabled people to share their experiences.
6. Fight for legislative changes locally and nationally that protect and improve the rights of workers with disabilities, which leads to more inclusive and fairer workplaces on a larger scale.
7. Take part in fund raisers and charity events to raise awareness. The wellness walk was a reminder of the importance of this, and the funds raised for Diabetes UK will go towards research, support services, and education to help people who live with diabetes.

Community is committed to supporting our members who face the challenges of disability in the workplace, ensuring everyone is protected and treated well in the world of work. Together, we can create workplaces that not only recognise the challenges of hidden disabilities, but actively support those that face them every day. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported Diabetes UK’s wellness walk – your contributions are making a real difference for people with diabetes.

Join the union for disabled workers

Together with our members, we are fighting for a better world of work for people with disabilities. From reasonable adjustments and accessibility to raising awareness and tackling disability discrimination, you name it, we are working on it.

Find out more

If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.