Growing numbers of HIV sufferers have spurred the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to demand more action from employers to introduce clear and effective HIV and AIDS policies in the workplace; the call comes ahead of World AIDS day to be held on 1 December.
Official figures from the Health Protection Agency show that 53,000 people are living with HIV in Britain the majority of which are of working age.
The TUC say that many individuals living with HIV and AIDS suffer stigma, isolation and depression while the majority shy away from revealing their condition to bosses for fear of being ostracised or sacked.
Frances O’Grady TUC Deputy General Secretary said:
“With a year on year increase in the numbers of people with HIV and with the majority of those of working age there is no room for complacency among employers. That is why the TUC is demanding that an HIV and AIDS policy is adopted in all workplaces.”
The TUC and National Aids Trust has launched ‘Dealing with HIV and AIDS in the workplace’. The information is available at www.worksmart.org.uk
