HIV in the Workplace

The chances are that someone working in your organisation is living with HIV and unless they’ve disclosed the information, you could be completely unaware of their status.

So why should you try to understand the issues around HIV in the workplace?

Download the Positively Employed brochure from the EPF Media Centre

Your Duties as an Employer

In December 2005 HIV was included in the Disability Discrimination Act, as an employer you now have a legal responsibility to support people living with HIV, as well as other disabilities in your place of business.

This means that people living with HIV can’t be harassed or discriminated against in recruitment, employment terms and conditions, chances for promotion, transfer, training or other benefits.

You may also be obliged to make reasonable adjustments for employees living with HIV.

There can be no unfair dismissal or treatment less favourable than that shown to others.

The Business Case for Employing People Living with HIV

The majority of people living with HIV in the UK are of working age.
76% of those diagnosed with HIV are between the ages of 15 and 39, with skills and talents necessary for the workplace whether they are an existing or a potential employee.

"GlaxoSmithKline is proud to be associated with the work that Ensuring Positive Futures does to support people living with HIV and AIDS in the workplace.

At GSK we value diversity and seek to make our company a great place for people to do their best work. We are committed to ensuring that our employees and potential employees living with HIV or AIDS are treated fairly and not discriminated against - the same commitment we make to individuals affected by other serious and potentially progressive medical conditions or disabilities. "

Gerard Hussey, Director of Policy, Employee Relations and Diversity, GlaxoSmithKline

With improvements in medication HIV doesn’t necessarily lead to Aids. The majority of people with the virus will go on to lead long, productive lives.
As an employer it’s important to be aware of the facts regarding HIV…what it is, how it is and isn’t transmitted. This will ensure you support people living with the virus in your workforce and can deal with any misinformation you may come across.
It’s important that you address the issue of discrimination at work against people with HIV. This can be tackled by training, changing workplace policies dealing with HIV and including protection for people living with the virus.
Many people, including employers, assume that people with HIV take more sick days than others. This is not the case.
A recent survey carried out by Barclays Bank reviewed sickness absence over a 2 year period found that disabled people, on average, took 8 days off compared to the 10 taken by non-disabled people.
Discrimination against HIV positive applicants/employees cannot be justified by misconceptions and it is illegal.
Employers who fail to take their responsibility seriously can face expensive legal action.

This tool kit has everything you require from advice and support to training resources needed to develop innovative policies and procedures regarding HIV for employers to use in the workplace.

Be an employer of choice

We can offer you advice on developing HIV workplace policies, as well as free Diversity Training. Show you support employees living with HIV, and become an employer of choice.

Be pro-active, use this website and be in control of any problems that arise.

Let employees who are useful to your business be useful without worry. Maybe a person living with HIV could be the person that takes your business to new heights.