This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Equality of opportunity at heart of executive policies
28/02/2000
Achieving real improvement in the lives of those with disabilities means putting equality at the heart of policy making.
That was the message today from Jackie Baillie at the STUC Conference on Disability in Glasgow.
The conference brought together workers with disabilities and those involved in the wider Trade Union movement to discuss ways of addressing barriers and discrimination in the workplace.
She said:
"Equality must be at the heart of policy and the design and delivery of all services in Scotland. These issues must not simply be an add-on. This is why we have established an Equality Unit at the centre of the Scottish Executive.
"We are currently consulting on an Equality Strategy. This means talking to all sectors of society, including people with disabilities, to ensure that equality is central to areas such as housing, transport, and the legal system.
"In housing. for example, I want to see new homes that are truly accessible to people with disabilities; buildings where their needs have been a consideration from beginning, and not simply an after thought at the end of the building process.
"Equality cannot just be achieved by the Executive alone. We all have a role to play and this means every type of business working with employees and unions to ensure fairness and accessibility at work.
"To address barriers and discrimination in the work place the voices of those with disabilities must be heard, and the issues facing them must be understood. The STUC should be congratulated for holding this conference to raise awareness of disability issues and legislation within the Trades Union Movement."
News Release: SE0521/2000