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2 November
Over 90 per cent of employers at legal risk say Employers' Forum on Disability
Over 90 per cent of UK employers may be putting themselves at risk under disability discrimination laws, according to new figures released today by Employers' Forum on Disability.
The Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 survey of UK businesses, between them employing around two million people, found that only eight per cent have an effective reasonable adjustment policy in place.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), disabled employees have the right to adjustments that allow them to work as effectively as their non-disabled colleagues.
Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) chief executive Susan Scott-Parker said: “The results of the Disability Standard are clear – employers are still not doing enough to ensure reasonable adjustments for their disabled staff.
“This is despite their legal obligation to do so – and despite the fact that most adjustments cost little or nothing at all to make.”
Simon Minty, director of diversity consultants Minty & Friend said: “Employers must recognise the legal risks involved in not making adjustments and they must ensure that adjustments they do make for disabled staff are monitored effectively.
“Most importantly, this will enable all disabled people to work as effectively as their colleagues.
“We congratulate those employers who are making great strides for their disabled staff but it is disappointing that some are still putting themselves at legal risk and also missing out on maximising opportunities for their disabled staff.”
Ends
Notes to editors
The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.
Simon Minty will be awarding several Disability Standard participants the 'chief executive diamond award'.
For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:
Issy RulePR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.
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.
Employers' Forum on Disability Standard 2007
The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.
116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK.