Employers

There are over 75,000 people living with HIV in the UK: of these, 93% are of working age. That means that one or more of them may work for you. Given that one-third of those living with the virus are undiagnosed and many display no symptoms, you may already be employing someone who has HIV without knowing it.

Would your organisation know what to do if a valued member of staff disclosed their HIV status to Human Resources?  Even if you are clear on the legal issues, should the other members of the team be told and what happens if they refuse to work with the employee?

The truth is that it is increasingly likely you already have someone in the workforce, or someone who wishes to apply to your organisation, who is living with HIV. So it’s worth taking time to consider what this means and making sure you understand what your responsibilities are as an employer.

Transmission of HIV in the workplace

HIV is contained in blood and sexual fluids, and is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex (without condoms). The majority of new HIV infections in the UK and worldwide are through heterosexual sex.

HIV is not transmitted through everyday social contact, including through sharing cups, cutlery or household items. It is not airborne and so it can't be contracted through coughing or sneezing.

You can find out more about How HIV is transmitted elsewhere on this website.

First Aiders

Everyone who is qualified in First Aid is trained to use Universal Precautions that are designed to protect against HIV as well other, more infectious, blood-borne viruses. This means that people living with HIV pose no health and safety risk to you or your employees.

Your responsibilities

People living with HIV are now covered under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) from the point of diagnosis. You can find out more on our Discrimination in the workplace pages.

Help for employers

The Employers and Trade Unions Diversity Development (ETUDD) team is working with a number of employers, taking a lead on developing innovative policies and procedures that include HIV and Aids. ETUDD is always looking for new approaches that are being tested as examples of good practice to promote to other employers. The team welcomes input from anyone developing and implementing HIV policies or education.

ETUDD is also happy to offer free advice and guidance to any employer or union official who wishes to discuss updating or developing policies or education relating to HIV in the workplace. The ETUDD team offers free:

• HIV awareness sessions tailored to the needs of your organisation
• help with developing HIV and AIDS policies that comply with, and exceed, the requirements of the DDA in terms of recruitment, equalities, disability or health and safety to include HIV
• advice on specific situations that affect your organisation
• seminars on HIV in the workplace.