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28 September

Employers' Forum on Disability marks demise of the Disability Rights Commission

Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) today marks the demise of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), to be replaced by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) on 1 October.

EFD recognises the contribution the DRC has made to the employment and retention of disabled people in the UK, as well as to disabled people's rights generally.

EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker says: “The DRC has played a vital part in positioning the right of disabled people to work at the forefront of government and employers.

“Enforcement of employment law, through the Disability Discrimination Act and more recently the public sector's Disability Equality Duty was achieved and made credible thanks to the DRC.

“We hope that the CEHR will continue the good work of the DRC, particularly in recognising disability as a unique area of diversity.”

Liz Sayce, former director of policy and communications at the DRC and chief executive of the Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation said: “The DRC raised the profile of rights and equality for the growing number of people in Britain affected by disability or long term health conditions.

“It showed that the major challenges facing Britain — improving the nation's skills, or reducing child poverty — can only be met if disability equality is built in to policy and practice at the outset.

“We hope the new Equality and Human Rights Commission will create the next stage of the journey – joining up disability rights with equality more broadly to tackle the biggest challenges.

“For example, making social care effective for those who need it, so that older and disabled people, their families and (largely female) carers can all live in dignity with opportunities to participate in society - in work, education, as parents or grandparents, as citizens.”

Ends

Issy Rule
PR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About EFD

EFD is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects business. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ circa 25 per cent of the UK workforce. EFD is recognised as the authoritative voice on disability as it affects employers and service providers. Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers. A full list of EFD's gold group and further information on EFD can be viewed on our web site.