Study urges help for staff with HIV

Employers have been urged to do more to help workers with HIV after new research showed huge evidence of prejudice against people with the virus.

One worker was forced to wear surgical gloves after telling his employers he was HIV-positive and another was verbally abused by his manager.

The TUC said it knew of many cases where workers suffered discrimination or isolation which could lead to depression.

The union organisation issued new guidance on the issue as it called on employers to draw up clear and effective policies on HIV and Aids.

Deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "With a year on year increase in the numbers of people with HIV and with the majority of those of working age there is no room for complacency among employers.

"That is why the TUC is demanding that an HIV and Aids policy is adopted in all workplaces".

Workers were reluctant to tell employers about their condition for fear of being ostracised or even sacked, said the TUC.

A store assistant in the north of England was moved to warehouse duties after revealing he was HIV-positive and told to wear a boiler suit and surgical gloves.

Despite these reports, the TUC said many firms were introducing new policies to make sure workers living with HIV were treated fairly.

Latest figures showed that 53,000 people, mostly of working age, were living with HIV in Britain.