News on 06 October 2000
Meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act looks like it may not happen at most businesses for quite some time.
The Institute of Directors recently questioned almost 200 of it members on progress, with surprising results:
- Almost 80% had not made any 'reasonable adjustments' to their employment practices, policies or procedures to ensure that disabled people are not treated any less favourably than non-disabled people. Businesses employing 15 or more people have a duty to take such action under the DDA.
- Over 70% of those in a service business have not made any adjustments. Since 1 October 1999, businesses that provide a service to the public have been obliged to take such action.
- 45% were opposed having to make 'reasonable adjustments' to the physical features of their premises. 44% said they were in favour.
The IoD says that on the Government's own figures, the cost to service providers of making the necessary adjustments to the premises could amount to over £1.1 billion.
The Directors’ group argues that businesses, especially
smaller ones, need more advice on what they are required to do, as well
as access to public
