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13 September 2005 - DEC Seeks Tougher
Penalties if Rules Ignored
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The Disability Employment Coalition (DEC) are seeking tougher
penalties on companies who ignore the rules on the employment of disabled
people.
The DEC is made up of many disability charities such as SCOPE,
REMPLOY, TUC and MENCAP and in a published coalition statement said:
"The DEC seeks to remove all negative distinctions regarding
disabled people in the world of work and to achieve the full inclusion of
disabled people.
"The DEC will achieve this by supporting both a carrot-and-stick approach
encouraging change by persuasion, but seeking penalties against people and
organisations that discriminate against disabled people either in work or
seeking to work."
Mr. Ray Fletcher, DEC Chairman, commenting that although
the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was good and a step in the right
direction, the Government could do more. He continued:
"There is growing concern that people are still being
discriminated against because of their disability. Compensation is often
not enough - we want people reinstated at work if they are discriminated
against."
Figures announced recently by the DRC Helpline show the
following:
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10,986 cases of potential disability discrimination were
received in the past year.
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Almost half of the above 10,986 cases were employment related,
highlighting the discrimination that disabled people continue to face in the
workplace.
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35% of potential discrimination calls related to services.
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12% of potential discrimination calls related to education.
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4% of potential discrimination calls related to premises.
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Disabled people remain twice as likely to be out of work and
more likely to earn less than able-bodied colleagues.
Further information on disabled rights and how to use them in
the workplace can be accessed from the DRC Website by clicking the following:
Using Your Rights : Disability Rights Commission
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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