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21 July 2005 - New Disability Laws
Protecting Against Discrimination
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The new Disability Discrimination Act (2005) implementation
timetable was laid before Parliament today and will become enforceable in
December this year, providing protection for the disabled who are all too often
discriminated against in the workplace.
The new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 will extend the
DDA 1995 and will include the following:
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Landlords.
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Private clubs.
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Transport and qualification bodies.
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Government departments.
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Local authorities and public bodies will lead by example with a
specific duty to integrate the needs of disabled people into their policies and
plans from the outset.
From 4 December 2005, the DDA 2005 will include the public
sector disability duty to carry out their function with "due regard" and will
have to comply by such as follows:
- Eliminate discrimination against and harassment of disabled people.
- Promote greater equality for disabled people.
- Promote positive attitudes to disabled people.
- Encourage disabled people to participate in public life.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, commented on the Act and said:
"Disabled people can at last rely on strong enforceable rights and
confidently challenge acts of unfair discrimination - which until now they've
had to tolerate. The Government has fulfilled its promise to improve rights
for disabled people. Now we will make sure these rights become a reality.
"There is much to benefit from an inclusive society. Employers and
service providers are already reaping the business rewards of a diverse
workforce and customer base - and increased accessibility means more cash in
tills. Other sectors soon to be covered by the Act can only stand to gain".
The inclusion for the protection of people with HIV, all cancers and multiple
sclerosis from the diagnosis point (implementation date 5 December 2005) within
the new Act, will also provide added protection.
Commenting on the inclusion of these types of disabilities, Anne McGuire
said:
"We have consulted and listened, and have concluded that covering all
cancers makes business sense and will provide clear protection for
individuals".
Mr. Bert Massie, Chair of the Disability Rights Commission, added his views
on the inclusion and commented as follows:
"The Government's decision to cover all people with cancer makes good,
practical common sense - the law is straightforward to understand, explain and
apply. People with cancer will know what their rights are.
"This is also good news for the business community. It will be clear to
employers when and how the Act applies to them. This will be important to
small and medium enterprises where minimising red tape is vital."
Further information on the new DDA (2005) will be available from the DWP
Website and can be accessed by clicking the following:
Department for Work and Pensions
Further information pertaining to rights of the disabled worker can be
accessed by clicking the following:
Disability Rights
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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