Disability, Equality & Work
Promoting & Delivering the Effective Involvement of Disabled People in the Workplace
Wednesday, 28th February 2007

Discrimination is the fastest changing area of employment law and disability discrimination in particular is one of the most complicated and difficult parts for employers to get right. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) has had substantial impact in the context of employment and has already ensured that disabled people have individual rights. Yet, institutionalised discrimination remains a key problem within many organisations and the cost for employers of falling short of their responsibilities can be high.

From December 2006 the public sector will be legally obliged to promote equal opportunities for disabled people and to actively promote positive attitudes in the workplace. However, the opportunity to improve working practice should not be overlooked by the private sector. Promoting positive attitudes among staff towards their disabled colleagues, providing disability training, and making reasonable adjustments will help to make organisations places where disabled people want to work. This will not only widen the pool of potential applicants, but will also ensure organisations do not lose the valuable skills of existing staff who become disabled.