Small businesses & disabled employees rights
Summary
Disabled people share the same general employment rights as other workers. They also have special provisions provided under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which states that it is illegal for employers to discriminate against the disabled, in any area of employment, for reasons related to their disability without justification. This now applies to all employers, including those employing less than 15 members of staff.
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Further information
Employee rights
In relation to employment rights the DDA covers:
- application forms
- interview arrangements
- proficiency tests
- job offers
- terms of employment
- promotion, transfer or training opportunities
- work-related benefits such as access to recreation or refreshment facilities
- dismissal or redundancy
Duties of employers
As an employer you have a duty to consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order that disabled people are not disadvantaged. These adjustments might include:
- allocating some of their work to someone else
- making adjustments to the buildings
- being flexible about core hours and allowing disabled people to be away from the office for assessment, treatment or rehabilitation
- providing modified equipment
- making instructions and manuals more accessible
- providing a reader or interpreter
Guidance & help
The Equality & Human Rights Commission provides detailed guidance and advice to help you decide whether an adjustment is reasonable or not.
The Access to Work programme, run by Jobcentre Plus, can help you get advice on appropriate adjustments and possibly some financial help towards the cost of these.
For more information on DDA and employment rights see ‘External links’ section below.
External links
Directgov
The ‘Disabled People’ section of the Directgov website gives information on employment rights. It includes information on the Access to Work programme.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Economic Development Officer |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | prosper@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533666 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
Last updated on: 30 June 2010