Out of the shadows (HIV and diversity)

Out of the shadows (HIV and diversity)

Arkin A. People Management, 24 November 2005 ,Vol. 11 No. 23,Start page: 24 (5 pages)

Purpose – Points out that latest drug regimes are enabling people with HIV to continue to carry on in full employment. Discusses how companies can support employees who are HIV positive, underlining the need to tackle any HIV-related discrimination. Design/methodology/approach– Describes how GlaxoSmithKline, Barclays and UK public sector organizations have developed anti-discrimination policies which cover HIV/AIDS,noting the debate over whether a specific policy on HIV/AIDS or a more general anti-discrimination policy is better. Outlines how recent UK legislation extends the scope of the UK Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to give people who are HIV positive employment protection from the moment of the diagnosis and discusses how UK employers are complying with this. An inset quotes the example of the work being done by Anglo American at its Goedehoop colliery in South Africa to educate employees about HIV/AIDS prevention, to provide HIV testing and to provide antiretroviral drugs. Findings – Underlines the need for UK employers to ensure that they do not discriminate against employees who are HIV positive and highlights the importance of raising awareness among employees about how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Originality/value– Highlights the need to stop discrimination against HIV positive employees.ISSN: 1358-6297Reference: 35AB005

Keywords: Discrimination, Equal opportunities, HIV, Training, United Kingdom