WEST Dunbartonshire union representatives attended the Scottish Trade Union Congress’ (STUC) first ever dementia and the workplace conference.

The event, which took place at the STUC’s Glasgow headquarters on September 30, allowed union staff to learn how to better support local workers affected by dementia.

A new Age Scotland guide to Dementia in the Workplace was launched to help union reps persuade employers treat workers affected by dementia humanely, and to help employers to get abreast of their legal obligations.

David Somerville, a Unite rep, said: “In Scotland we have an ageing workforce, so more of us will develop first symptoms of dementia while still in work.

“I want to make sure that if and when it affects workers in West Dunbartonshire their employers show them compassion, not the door.

“Dementia is a disability, and supporting workers with disabilities is a big part of what we in the unions do.”