Reasonable adjustment guide helps managers get best from their teams

10th February 2009

A new guide published today (Tuesday 10 February) by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD), sponsored by Unum on making reasonable adjustments will help managers get the best from all their employees, not just those with a disability.

‘Reasonable adjustments - Line manager guide' is for anyone who is charge of one person, a team or department. It helps line managers:

• Decide if an adjustment is reasonable and who needs it.
• Identify how work can be done differently to maximise the potential of your disabled as well as non-disabled staff.

• Treat your disabled colleagues fairly.
• Make sure you do not break the law.
• Know where to go for more help and advice.

Susan Scott-Parker, EFD's Chief Executive, said: "As we face uncertain economic times, it is even more important that employers get it right on disability to get the best from their entire workforce. Disability confident organisations are better employers for everyone and make significant cost savings and productivity gains.

"EFD's Reasonable adjustments - Line manager guide provides practical information and advice to help line managers make adjustments and become more disability confident. Learning how to make adjustments for disabled employees helps managers support all staff better.

"The guide also helps employers reduce their legal risk on areas covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. In 2007, EFD's Disability Standard benchmark found that one in three employers is at legal risk. With the 2009 Disability Standard about to begin, it's the perfect time for employers to find out where they are on disability, where they need to be and how to get there."

Unum Marketing and Business Development Director Paul Davies said: "Many employers are hesitant to recruit and retain disabled people simply because it is an area they are not familiar with, making it seem like an obstacle that is difficult to overcome.

"It is important for all employers to be aware not only of their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act, but also how beneficial disabled employees are to a workplace, and how easy adjustments can be to make. EFD's line manager guide is an excellent step in educating employers about this and we are proud to be involved."

Ends

Notes to editors

1. A copy of Reasonable adjustments - Line manager guide is available for review purposes. Please contact Liz Nightingale, contact details below.
2. Reasonable adjustments - Line manager guide costs £10.20 for EFD members (minimum order of five copies). Discounts are available on large orders, and for orders placed before 31 March 2009.
3. For publication orders, please visit www.efd.org.uk/publications, call Leander Feltham or Keith Harris on 020 7089 2410 or email publications@efd.org.uk

About Unum

Unum is the UK's leading provider of income protection insurance, with more than 35 years of experience. Its critical illness and life insurance products enable its customers to purchase complementary protection solutions that together make up a comprehensive protection package.

www.unum.com

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