Addressing delegates in the Brighton Centre, Jane Jones – Usdaw president said: “Neurodiversity isn’t new. There have always been people in our workplaces who are neurodivergent and some of those individuals have always needed support at work from their employers, for a variety of reasons. It has also always been the case that some employers have always done better than others at embracing differences and being supportive and, unfortunately, we know there have always been workers who have been persecuted for their differences.
“Thankfully, we’re now much more aware of the range of neurodiversity. We know that many more people experience differences than previously thought and we can see the many ways it can impact people at work and in their whole lives. Of course, neurodiversity isn’t just one thing. It’s a term used to describe a number of alternative thinking styles such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, Tourette’s and ADHD. Diagnoses of neurodiverse conditions has increased significantly in recent years.
“It is now thought that around one in seven people in the UK are neurodiverse in some way. Although there have been some significant steps forward in recognising the needs of neurodivergent workers, we do know that many employers are not doing everything they should. Many workers still don’t feel supported or understood.
“The way that employers shape their approach to neurodiversity at work is crucial. It is vital that neurodiversity is celebrated by employers, not seen as an obstacle. With the right support, neurodivergent workers bring their own life experiences and perspectives that enrich their workplaces.
“Usdaw welcomes the important work the TUC has done to raise awareness of the needs of neurodivergent workers, and we are calling on the TUC to build on this with a positive campaign, celebrating neurodiversity and promoting the benefits of having a supportive approach.
“Together, we can make a real difference for neurodiverse workers and help to shape the working world so it is more inclusive, more supportive and one that celebrates all our differences, in all types of workplaces, right across the public sector and private sector.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
Composite 06 Neurodiversity – inclusion, access, employment policies and fair work
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