Ryan FowlerUNISON has pledged to further strengthen its Race for Equality campaign, a key initiative from the union’s Year of Black Workers in 2023, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat racism within the NHS. This commitment was made during debates at a conference where the presence of racial discrimination in the health service was a major focus.
Maria Alberts, representing the service group executive, underscored the reality of racism in the NHS, referencing the report “Too Hot to Handle.” This report highlights the difficulties Black workers face in reporting racism, noting that 63% of Black employees surveyed feel they undergo more scrutiny than their white counterparts.
The conference saw calls for a series of actions to bolster the campaign against racism, including:
- Sustained support and resources for the Race for Equality campaign.
- The organisation of practical workshops aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Black staff.
- The development and provision of further training opportunities for UNISON branches and regions.
Further motions received unanimous support, advocating for increased participation of Black members in the health sector and efforts to address racism within the nursing profession specifically. Delegates were urged to actively support their Black colleagues by calling out racism and representing their interests in spaces they might not have access to.
