A Yorkshire-based non-profit organisation which supports adults with autism has invited UNISON to help promote the benefits of trade unions in the workplace.
Specialist Autism Services, which has been operating across the region for over 20 years, works with autism charity Sacar to provide autism specific services across Yorkshire.
One example of the specific services provided are neurodivergent hubs in Calderdale – which are designed specifically for individuals with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. The weekly sessions are free and peer-led, and UNISON attended one earlier this week to discuss the benefits of union membership.
UNISON organisers Jayne Jordan and Tara Oldfield delivered a presentation to the session around preparing for employment, what a trade union is, and the help and support available through becoming a UNISON member.
It was also an opportunity to raise awareness of UNISON’s self-organised groups, and learning opportunities available through membership.
Specialist Autism Services training and development manager David Newell said: “The session from UNISON was marvellously informative, and I know everyone who attended found it really beneficial.
“People were researching the good work done by UNISON once the session had concluded, including the abolition of tribunal fees in 2017.”
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary Karen Loughlin said: “I’m delighted that UNISON has been able to work with Specialist Autism Services to make sure the neurodivergent people they support are aware of the benefits unions can bring.
“Hopefully this is the first of many opportunities to work together.”
UNISON is liaising with Specialist Autism Services to look at other ways of collaborating to make sure as many people as possible are made aware of the benefits of being in a union.
