Cry for fairness made after workers claim they are being forced out of employment
Unions, charities, and academics have joined forces to call for fairness for workers living with dementia, and for those caring for someone with dementia.
The call came at Scotland’s first ever dementia conference for union reps, held today (Friday), after a testimony that some employers respond badly when dementia arises as a workplace issue.
Speaking at the conference, organised by STUC, Age Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland with support from the Life Changes Trust and the Big Lottery Fund, campaigner James McKillop said he was “castigated” at work.
My supervisor noticed I wasn’t coping, but instead of being supported as I would have been if I had a different health problem, I was castigated,” he said.
I took a retirement package before I was pushed out or died
“I took a retirement package before I was pushed out or died.
“There was no retirement do with speeches; my colleagues weren’t told until long after I’d gone.
“Later, after my dementia was diagnosed, I found that my experience is far from unique.”
Ian Tasker, STUC assistant secretary, said trade union reps are looking at ways to support members to remain in work as long as practicable.
“A diagnosis of dementia will have significant and potentially devastating impact on individuals and family members who have to care for them as their condition progresses,” he said.
“The STUC believes a diagnosis should not mean workers diagnosed with dementia, or those who care for them, should be forced out of work.”
Age Scotland launched its news guide, Dementia in the Workplace, at the conference.
It aims to help union reps persuade employers of the business case for treating workers affected by dementia humanely, and to help employers to get abreast of their legal obligations and workplace good practice.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “As Scotland’s workforce ages we can expect dementia’s impact on workplaces to rise steeply.
“Unions have a key to play: not only in challenging unfair employment practices where they arise, but also working in partnership with employers to develop dementia aware working cultures from which all can benefit. We look forward to supporting them in that role.”
Minister for health Maureen Watt said discrimination has no place in a modern Scotland and said the government was committed to supporting job retention and workplace adjustments for people with disabilities.
A commitment shown through the Fit for Work Scotland scheme which sees every person newly diagnosed with dementia qualifying for a year’s worth of dedicated post-diagnostic support.
Amy Dalrymple, head of policy at Alzheimer Scotland, added: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted that the STUC and its members, along with Age Scotland, are recognising the importance of dementia as an issue with impact across society.
“The workplace is one of the most important places for us all to come together to make sure that people living with dementia and those close to them are supported and enabled to continue to be active citizens.”
