TUC 2025: Usdaw advances neurodiversity rights in the workplace and champions inclusive support for neurodiverse staff

Addressing delegates in Brighton, Jane Jones – Usdaw President said: “I'd like to pay tribute to the work that is already being done by union reps, in workplaces up and down the country, every day, to bring the aims of this composite to life. In my union, this is an issue that has risen to the top of the agenda in recent years. 

“Usdaw's flagship national 'Supporting Parents and Carers' campaign has shone the spotlight on neurodiversity. It was the theme of our National Day of Action in June this year. Campaign activity was organised in over a thousand workplaces, highlighting that neurodiverse members have the right to be supported at work, that their contribution to the workplace should be celebrated and that parents and carers of neurodiverse people should have the support they need at work too.

“Thanks to the hard work of our reps, this message reached tens of thousands of members, in the workplace and beyond. The campaign delivered concrete outcomes: encouraging members to speak to their Usdaw rep sooner rather than later, raising awareness of rights at work, helping to build union organisation and visibility, and crucially, positively influencing workplace cultures. And we know that this culture change is desperately needed.

“Our own research showed the gaps in understanding from managers, when it comes to hidden disability in general and neurodiversity in particular. Clearly, there is an urgent need for better training, for better policies and for better understanding.

“Unions are already doing great work in this area; work that is being informed and led by our members and their lived experiences. There's much more we can do. Sharing best practice, working together, lobbying the Government and pushing employers to act, to end harassment, to end discrimination and make workplaces truly inclusive.”