Disability Discrimination
It is not long until October 2004 when new disability discrimination legislation comes into force. Do you have to make adjustments to your premises to comply with the new law?
Paul Seath, an Associate in our Employment Department, says: “In June the Benedictine nuns at Tyburn Convent in central London were in the news when it was found they would have to raise £400,000 for ramps and lifts to be installed to provide disability access to the crypt which houses the remains of Reformation martyrs. Few local businesses will have to spend as much money as that but providing a ramp or making other relatively simple adjustments may be necessary.
Not all local businesses are aware of the disability discrimination legislation which is already in force. Although there is no absolute requirement to hire a disabled job applicant there are strict rules in this field and it could be necessary to appoint such an applicant over and above an able bodied one if the only difference between them is the disability. At the end of last year new laws on discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and religious affiliation also came into force so now is a good time to take some legal advice to help you assess whether your business is compliant in this field.”
For further information contact Paul Seath on (0117) 929 0451 or e-mail pseath@metcalfes.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken in producing this Press Release, no liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. The Press Release is not a substitute for proper legal advice, merely an aid.