EFD disability news - Legal

Disability living allowance changes 'undermined by weak research'

EFD — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Proposed changes to the disability living allowance have been further undermined by revelations of weak consultation and research.

In an article for the Guardian, former policy advisor to the Mayor of London Declan Gaffney explained that last week's parliamentary defeat for the welfare reform bill shows the government's case for reform is "very weak".

Welfare reforms leaving some disabled Brits 'suicidal'

EFD — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Some disabled Brits have been left "devastated" and "suicidal" because of the potential implications of the government's welfare reform bill, it has been claimed.

Despite efforts to improve barrier-free training and recruitment, campaign groups in Scotland are deeply concerned about the planned overhaul of the UK benefit system and have made this clear to MSPs.

Employers taking on disabled workers 'unaware of available support'

EFD — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:56:00 +0000

Most employers will be well aware of their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 when interviewing disabled job applicants, but few know about the support available to them if they employ someone who is registered disabled.

First and foremost, employers should be aware of the distinction between positive and negative discrimination.

Reculver Solicitors James Carmody explained that the Equality Act requires employers do not ask questions about "medical conditions which may affect them, and which may amount to a disability" at the interview stage.

MOD 'must do more' to make Armed Forces prepare for the worst

EFD — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been urged to consider offering more advice to Armed Forces personnel about getting their affairs in order before they are deployed.

Conservative MP for Salisbury John Glen said it is "extremely important" to ensure the right processes are in place so that people's wishes can be carried out in case the worst happens.

He told MPs during a debate on Friday: "Unfortunately, no advice is given on making the will, nor is there any compulsion to do so.

Charities criticise legal aid cuts

EFD — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:58:00 +0000

A group of 24 national charities have warned that disabled people could be disproportionately affected by the government’s cuts to the legal aid budget.

The charities, including Scope, Mencap and Mind believe that the government’s cuts to legal aid for those appealing against benefits decisions could have severe consequences for almost 80,000 people who will be left with nowhere else to turn to for help.

MPs are due to debate the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill in the House of Commons this week.

Questions raised over reasonable adjustments for disabled employees

EFD — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:57:00 +0100

While reasonable adjustments for disabled employees are accepted by employers, one expert has claimed that they are still causing confusion as to what is legally considered reasonable.

John Charlton from Employers' Law magazine explained that the concept of reasonable adjustment can leave much room for interpretation, which is partly why it is involved in numerous disability discrimination cases.

He described recent cases which showed that unless their changes alleviated any disadvantage faced by the worker they could not be described as reasonable adjustments.

Isle of Man commissions Disability Discrimination Act review

EFD — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:12:00 +0100

The Isle of Man is a step closer to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act 2006, after commissioning the organisation Sight and Sound Technology Limited to prepare a report on the cost of introducing the Act.

A three-month review will report on the costs associated with the measure and whether it will have unintended consequences for the island's economy.

Martyn Quayle, the minister for social care, said it is vital that the Act is implemented in a manner that helps disabled people to access goods and services and lead a fulfilled life.

Legal aid cuts could impact deaf people

EFD — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:04:00 +0100

Legal aid cuts will make it harder for law firms to provide services for people with hearing problems, potentially raising concerns about social inclusion for deaf people using the legal system.

RAD Legal Services, which is part of the Royal Association for Deaf People, said there are "small signs" that more law firms are rallying to offer appropriate services, but often even the courts themselves to do not comply with the Equality Act 2010, the Guardian reports.

Red tape costs employers £16.8bn a year

EFD — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:30:00 +0100

New research has shown that Britain's small firms are spending more time and money complying with regulations, despite government attempts to cut back on excessive legislation.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) found that 84 per cent of small businesses have noticed an increase in resources spent on compliance in the past two years, with the total annual cost of red tape pegged at £16.8 billion a year.

Northern Ireland tour promotes best practice on disability

EFD — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The Equality Commission is heading out across Northern Ireland to educate the public and remind employers of their responsibilities in terms of best practice on disability and preventing discrimination.

Officials will visit Fairhill Shopping Centre tomorrow (June 24th), before touring a number of other leisure facilities between now and September, as part of its Access For All initiative, the Ballymena Times reported.

As part of the scheme, the group will be looking to assist employers and service providers in improving the experiences of disabled staff and customers.