Union Learning Reps from across Scotland travelled to the Scottish Parliament to have their say on Deaf Awareness, Dyslexia and Lifelong Learning.
The ‘Dyslexia in the Workplace’ session launched the development of a Scottish Trade Union Strategy to support working adults with dyslexia.
Union Learning Reps Neil Bell from Dundee and Chris Williams from Peterhead, Grampian spoke about their experiences of dyslexia in their workplaces. Chris works for the Fire Service in Elgin and felt his discussion with MSP Elaine Smith was particularly helpful.
”We talked about dyslexia and how trade unions raise awareness of dyslexia-related issues in the workplace. I think that since dyslexia affects so many in our society, the Scottish Parliament has a responsibility to address these issues and come up with a strategy to raise awareness. Elaine listened to our points of view and I’m looking forward to seeing how she and other MSPs take it forward from here.”
Neil Bell, an employee for the Department of Work and Pensions in Dundee says, “Today was about making people aware of disabilities that aren’t visible. It was particularly good that there was a wide variety of MSPs who attended and it was good for them to listen to the different situations dyslexic people find themselves in within the workplace. There are many positive points about people with dyslexia which need to be brought out so that more people have a better understanding of dyslexic issues.”
The STUC defines dyslexia as a ‘learning difference’. It is estimated that 10% of our population is dyslexic, and four percent have severe dyslexic difficulties. It is also estimated that 75% of all dyslexic people are identified as being dyslexic after reaching the age of 21.
Wendy Burton, STUC Development Officer - Everyday Skills, says “Dyslexia is much wider than just difficulties with reading and writing, and there are many specific to the workplace such as time management, repetitive errors, attention span and speed of completing tasks. Although employers have responsibilities to dyslexic employees under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) we believe ULRs can be utilised in working with employers to understand what these responsibilities are, and how ‘reasonable adjustments’ can be made.”
MSPs Peter Peacock, John Farquhar Munro, Joe Fitzpatrick, Marlyn Glen and Keith Brown also attended and took part in the discussion.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Jennifer Payne, Marketing Officer STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team Email: jpayne@stuc.org.uk Tel: 0141 337 8100 Mob: 07702 836 478
Ann Henderson STUC Assistant Secretary Email: ahenderson@stuc.org.uk Tel: 0141 337 8100 Mobile: 07875 208 167