Disabled employees 'still face prejudice'

3rd February 2010

Disabled employees remain discriminated against and underrepresented in the workplace, one expert has claimed.

Head of diversity and corporate responsibility at Eversheds Caroline Wilson said that this situation is exacerbated by confusion as to what constitutes a disability.

She remarked: "I think the country has a whole lot of work to do in that area. This is the most challenging area."

According to Ms Wilson, when she began work many disabilities were not regarded as such, including dyslexia.

Uncertainty over whether an ailment should be considered a disability can even prevent people from disclosing their conditions, she added.

Furthermore, Ms Wilson commented, firms may find it difficult to ascertain what kind of reasonable adjustments they may be required to make.

For example, an individual with a physical impairment may have different needs to someone with a prosthetic limb, the specialist explained.

General-secretary for the Trades Union Congress Brendan Barber recently stated that businesses must provide reasonable adjustments by law.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn