Gypsy Travellers campaign: Make a difference! - Scotland

From Unison Scotland

UNISON Scotland has published a handbook of facts and guidance on Gypsy Travellers.

Click here to download PDF

Make a Difference! is designed to help support UNISON members to fulfil their obligations in relation to English Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy Travellers, Roma and Welsh Kale.

It describes the communities concerned, addresses some common myths and provides occupational guidance for members who are most
likely to engage with these communities.

Have you ever used the term ‘Gypo’ or ‘Tink’? Have you ever had personal dealings with people from these communities?

Let us dispel the myths. You need to know the facts so that you do not become embroiled in litigation, face charges of professional misconduct or be labelled a racist. It might enable you to provide a better and more professional service to all of the users of your service. It will not provide you with all the information that you require but can direct you to useful extended reading sources.

If you belong to a professional body when was the last time you read your code of ethics? Do you know what your legal obligations are in relation to human rights and equalities legislation?

UNISON, the STUC and other organisations such as Shelter, BEMIS (Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure), Scottish Travellers Education Project (STEP), the churches and Amnesty International are committed to tackling racism. In 2011 they committed themselves to tackling issues concerning Gypsy Travellers and in particular Scottish Gypsy Travellers, and Roma. These communities are regarded by many as being the most discriminated and marginalised in Europe.

If you came across discrimination or violation of human rights in your workplace and management were ignoring the issues, with whom would you raise them?
Would you raise them with your UNISON representative?