The Allen Vincent Smith Foundation (AVSF) is calling on local businesses to take a stand against discrimination in the work place for people living with HIV.

The AVSF's AIDS In The Workplace Programme has been presented to a number of local businesses and nine companies have adopted the programme with the assistance of the Foundation.

The Foundation believes employers now recognise that people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) have the same rights and opportunities as those with other life-threatening illnesses.

Michael Fox, a spokesman for AVSF said: "We promote the principle that employment policies should be based on the scientific and epidemiological evidence that PWHAs do not pose a risk of transmission of the virus to co-workers through ordinary work place contact.

"My hope is that as many businesses as possible adopt our guidelines with the assistance of the Foundation. Through efforts to increase partnerships with our Foundation employees can achieve peace of mind if they develop HIV in the future.'' Mr. Fox explained that the principles of AIDS In The Workplace are flexible enough to be adapted to suit the needs of the employer or any organisation.

The Foundation is targeting all types of businesses from construction firms to printing companies. The organisation does not have a fixed set of policies but hopes employers will follow the guidelines which it recommends.

The AVSF seeks to increase awareness about the need for businesses to develop policies that prevent discrimination and respond to the AIDS epidemic in a positive way.

"HIV or AIDS can happen at any time so if businesses adopt our guidelines employees would be forewarned and prepared to deal with the issues surrounding sexuality and dealing with people living with HIV and AIDS. These policies are beneficial to companies because of their contribution to the community they will look good,'' remarked Mr. Fox.

The parent companies of international companies on the Island have already put in place policies to safeguard the rights of PWHAs which are discussed by human resource departments with employees at the start of their employment.

The Foundation is now seeking to increase partnerships with local businesses whether large or small.