Commenting on ministers’ acceptance of recommendations in Lord Mann’s review of antisemitism today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Helga Pile said:
“The recommendations for tackling these issues are wide-ranging and comprehensive. They include mandatory anti-racism training and standards for how NHS organisation respond to incidents so workplaces and services are truly inclusive.
“The review of NHS uniform guidance raises a number of questions and concerns that can’t be answered until it becomes clearer what’s being proposed.
“There are complex legal issues here including staff rights under the Equality Act and human rights legislation.
“There’s a real risk precious time and resources will be spent trying to define a political badge and what staff can wear in their own time.
“No-one wants NHS trusts to be mired in lengthy litigation. This could become a costly distraction from the vital work needed to challenge racist behaviour head-on.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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