Equality Bill's successful implementation depends on delivery

26th April 2009

Employers' Forum on Disability today (27 April) welcomed the Equality Bill's aims, which has the potential to deliver real benefits for both disabled people and employers.

The Equality Bill, published today, aims to make Britain a fairer place to live and work now and in the future. The Bill will replace 35 acts, including the Disability Discrimination Act, 52 statutory instruments, 13 codes of practice and 16 European directives relating to equality legislation.

EFD's Chief executive Susan Scott-Parker said: "We welcome the aim of the Equality Bill and its provisions that promote systemic change and remove barriers to the social and economic inclusion of disabled people.

"Real change for disabled people and employers will depend on the detail of the Bill. Employers will need to understand the business case for getting it right on disability - and good guidance on what the new legislation will mean for them. For example, employers will need to ensure that their working environments do not disadvantage disabled people.

"We support anything that makes it easier for employers and service providers to understand their obligations and make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We therefore welcome the decision to have one threshold for reasonable adjustments in this Bill.

"The unique aspects of disability discrimination must be addressed in the Equality Bill, and we are pleased that the government has not decided simply to replace disability related discrimination with indirect discrimination. It is essential that the wording of the Bill makes it clear how disabled people, who experience discrimination for a reason relating to their disability, will be protected while ensuring a balance between the rights and responsiblities between disabled people and employers.

"We look forward to working with government to ensure this landmark legislation brings benefits for disabled people and employers."

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