Disabled Workers’ Network
Welcome to our Disabled Workers’ Network
According to the Department of Work & Pensions, 1 in 4 people in the UK had a disability in 2022/23. Disabled workers face barriers in the workplace, accessing benefits & services, in education and in housing.
Bectu supports the social model of disability in our approach to promoting equality for all our members.
The most effective approach for trade unions to follow is to identify the factors in the workplace environment and working conditions that disable the worker. We apply this approach to individual representation, collective bargaining, drawing up demands and campaigning for them. In this way, the union can identify and fight for the changes that remove these factors.
The mission and purpose of the network is to:
- Connect and empower disabled workers who are members of Bectu.
- Produce best practice advice and guidance for employees and employers.
- Provide regular briefings, training, and legal updates for reps and case-handlers.
- Share solidarity and best practice between reps and branches.
- Promote awareness and advocacy among non-disabled members of the union.