EFD welcomes Trevor Phillips' comments about race, diversity and disability

19th January 2009

Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) today (January 19) welcomes Trevor Phillips' comments about the need for respect for disabled people in the media, as he discusses racism in Britain.

EFD's Chief Executive Susan Scott-Parker said: "Too often, disability is rarely mentioned whenever race, gender and other forms of diversity are discussed. That's why it is particularly encouraging that Trevor Phillips mentions disability alongside his analysis of the nature of racism in Britain today.

"We very much support his call for respect for disabled people, who need to be able to access not just buildings but training and websites to contribute fully in the workplace.

"Trevor Phillips also points out that while Britain tends to believe at heart that everyone should be treated with fairness, the reality can be very different for groups like disabled people.

"That's why EFD has a range of products and services, like our Disability Standard, that help employers understand the business case for getting it right on disability. In our experience, progress is made in achieving equality when the needs of disabled people and employers are both met."

Ends

Notes to editors

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.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 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 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.

www.efd.org.uk