National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters

As a response to concerns about BSL/English Interpreters leaving the profession, reducing their hours or diversifying their income, NUBSLI established a Profession Exit Interview. A report on the findings has been published.

Two days ago our Nub article reported on the refusal by more than 40 interpreters to work under a new contract between Sign Solutions and many hospitals in the Bristol area. Following this collective action, Sign Solutions have updated their terms.

Sign Solutions recently bid for and were awarded contracts to deliver BSL/English interpreting services for the University Hospitals Bristol Trust […]

“I’m OK with this slightly lower level of pay.” “It’s not much less than before.” “I don’t need to earn as much as the more experienced interpreters.” “I have enough work that it all adds up to a sufficient income.” “If other interpreters don’t want the work, then there’s more for me. “

This is the death knell of interpreting as we know it.

In an open letter to the editor of the Evening Standard newspaper, NUBSLI asks that they provide BSL/English interpreters for the London Mayoral hustings for Deaf people.

Home Office scraps plans to cut interpreters’ rates of pay pending review of interpreting services.

It’s been a very busy 2015 for NUBSLI. Our first full year since the union was established and a lot has been achieved during this time. Here are some of our highlights.

The Government have just released the results of a consultation into changes to funding and an equality analysis for disabled students’ allowance (DSA) in England.
They are still looking for ways to save money and are still consulting. You can have your say but the deadline is Wednesday 9 December.

Today’s development is deeply disappointing and shows that the government are not interested in providing a robust service to ensure high quality access, but are merely aiming to cut cost. This will be to the detriment of the access rights of the Deaf community.