World AIDS Day 2025: Ending HIV Stigma in the Workplace

World AIDS Day 2025: Ending HIV Stigma in the Workplace

Every year on 1 December, World AIDS Day invites global reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to supporting those living with HIV. In 2025, the theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”—a call to action that resonates deeply across healthcare, policy, and employment sectors.

HIV in the UK: The Workplace Reality

More than 105,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. Thanks to medical advances, many lead long, healthy lives—but stigma and discrimination persist, especially in employment settings. Legally, HIV is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, meaning individuals are protected from discrimination from the point of diagnosis and entitled to reasonable adjustments at work.

Why Vocational Rehabilitation Matters

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals play a pivotal role in transforming workplace experiences for people living with HIV. Whether supporting clients directly or advising employers, VR practitioners help dismantle stigma and build inclusive, rights-based environments.

Supporting Clients Living with HIV

• Clarifying workplace rights: HIV is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. Clients can request adjustments for clinic appointments, medication schedules, or phased returns. See Terrence Higgins Trust’s guide for more.
• Navigating disclosure: Help clients weigh the pros and cons of sharing their status, understand confidentiality, and plan how to manage work alongside treatment.
• Vocational planning: Assess how treatment or health needs intersect with job demands, and explore flexible working options.
• Empowering self-advocacy: Build confidence and equip clients to raise concerns with HR or managers. The National AIDS Trust’s Know Your Rights resource is a great starting point.

Working with Employers

• Educating on modern HIV realities: HIV is not a workplace transmission risk. With treatment, people live full, productive lives.
• Advising on inclusive policy: Ensure recruitment and HR practices don’t inadvertently exclude people living with HIV. The HIV in the Workplace guide offers practical advice.
• Embedding HIV awareness in DEI frameworks: HIV is a disability under UK law and should be integrated into diversity and inclusion strategies. See the Business Disability Forum’s briefing.
• Visible commitment to ending stigma: Participate in World AIDS Day, use red ribbons, and include HIV awareness in training. Consider adopting the UNISON model workplace policy.

Practical Actions for December—and Beyond

• VR professionals: Add HIV-related guidance to referral materials and assessments.
• Clients: Include questions about treatment schedules, medication side effects, and disclosure comfort in vocational assessments.
• Employers: Review or develop policies supporting employees living with HIV. Awareness training for HR and managers is key.
• On World AIDS Day: Host a short awareness session, distribute workplace guidance, and wear red ribbons to show solidarity.

Why It Matters All Year

The 2025 theme reminds us that while medicine has advanced, social systems—including workplaces—still face disruption from stigma, outdated assumptions, and policy gaps. Employment is more than a paycheck—it’s dignity, independence, and wellbeing. As VR professionals, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to help build workplaces where people living with HIV are respected, supported, and empowered.

Let’s mark 1 December with awareness, action, and advocacy—and let our commitment to ending HIV stigma in employment continue every day of the year.

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