Small employers are being urged to respond to guidance supporting major legal reforms to the employment of disabled people.
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is calling for responses from people affected by changes to the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) which come into force in October 2004.
Changes to the DDA being introduced by the Government will mean disabled people employed by small businesses and non-civilians working in the fire service, police force and the prison service will – for the first time – be protected by the Act.
The current definition of discrimination against disabled people will be tightened in the DDA, so that employers, qualifications bodies and others cannot justify an act of direct discrimination or the failure to make a reasonable adjustment.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (and additional regulations on occupational pensions) will incorporate the disability aspects of the Employment Directive 2000/78/EC into domestic law from 1 October 2004.
Two draft Codes of Practice have been drawn up to support the amended legislation. One is aimed at employers entitled The DDA Employment and Occupation Code and the second is aimed at Qualification Bodies and Trade Organisations, the DDA Trade Organisations and Qualifications Bodies Code.
The DRC’s consultation runs from 1 September to 30 November 2003.
Related items
Disability risk assessment form
Employers feel social pressure on disability
