New rights for disabled people

Friday, 1 October 2004 12:00 AM

From today, all service providers and businesses will have a new duty to make "reasonable" adjustments for disabled people.

Changes to the Disability Discrimination Act, which come into force on October 1st, require businesses like pubs, libraries and shops to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people can access their services.

Small businesses will also have to meet the Act's full requirements for the first time, and will have the same responsibilities as big businesses in not "discriminating against employees or potential employees because of their disability and making reasonable adjustments to the workplace."

Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said: "This Government has championed rights for disabled people and will continue to do so. I am tired of hearing that delivering fairness for disabled people is political correctness gone mad. That is nonsense. This new piece of legislation is about making 'reasonable adjustments' so that disabled people can participate more fully in society."

Maria Eagle, Minister for Disabled People added: "By taking early action to improve accessibility, many businesses have already benefited from a wider customer-base. And the spending power of this country's disabled population is £50 billion so it makes sense to cater for their needs. And from Friday legal action can be taken if you don't."

Around 9.8 million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from some form of disability.

Despite stated concerns from a number of businesses about the cost of the new legislation, the message from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is "don't panic".

Its spokesman, Colin Willman, said: "In general small businesses support the DDA, they understand that 10 million disabled people represents £50billion of purchasing power.

"We are putting out the message to the remaining businesses that a little change can make all the difference. The cost of large print menus, better lighting or a hearing induction loop pales into insignificance in comparison with the commercial opportunities on offer.

"Small businesses have to make "reasonable adjustments" and the law recognises that it is not reasonable for a business with a turnover of £50,000 to fit a £20,000 lift."

It is, however, concerned that the term "reasonable adjustment" is too vague and that there are no tax breaks available for businesses that invest in disabled access.

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