Motion no: 11
Conference
Proposing
GMB & RCM
- Conference notes the significant issues neurodivergent people have entering the workforce and the increased level of discrimination they face in the workplace. Currently there is emerging a "lost generation" of neurodivergent workers, who due to receiving a "late" diagnosis for their condition in adulthood have in many cases suffered significantly with their mental health as a result. There are a growing number of neurodivergent healthcare professionals, with the true figure unknown due to fear of discrimination and lack of diagnosis. We know many students with neurodivergent conditions would like to train to enter the NHS, including as midwives, but may be put off because they fear the course doesn’t make allowances for their condition.
- The trade union movement wants to encourage people from a range of backgrounds and neurominorities into healthcare and other professions, making accommodations and improving the working conditions for neurodivergent workers benefits the entire workforce. Common issues such as excessive noise, lack of natural light, poor communication etc. which maybe disabling for neurodivergent workers act as stressors on the rest of the workforce.
- Conference notes that many people are choosing to self-diagnose their neurodivergence (usually after extensive research) to provide answers for issues they face in their lives. Many of these people do this as a first step before going on to seek a formal diagnosis, but under the current legal framework in N. Ireland these people are provided no protection under discrimination or employment law.
- The trade union movement must support and encourage people from a range of backgrounds and neurominorities into the workplace. The trade union movement needs to make its voice heard on this burning issue.
- Conference notes positively that increasing numbers of neurodivergent people are receiving diagnosis, being provided with support, and entering the workforce. However, much more needs to be done.
- This conference affirms the social model of disability, notes the unhealthy situation of legal protections in N. Ireland for neurodivergent workers and demands the reform of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 considering the current “Late” diagnosis crisis.
- Conference demands that adult psychiatric diagnostic waiting times should be reduced, and other support services should be improved alongside ICTU developing an awareness programme for employers on this issue.
- Further investment in healthcare and trade union education that supports and widens acceptance of neurodivergent individuals in the NHS workforce.
- Campaign for mandatory neurodiversity awareness training for all NHS staff as part of their EDI mandatory training.
