Equal Opportunities FAQs

Am I required to make my premises suitable for a prospective/current disabled employee?

Employers with 15 or more employees are required to make a reasonable adjustment where any physical feature of their premises or employment arrangements substantially disadvantage a disabled person. If an employer treats a disabled person less favourably for a reason relating to their disability or refuses to make reasonable adjustments, then the employer must be able to justify this. Unjustified treatment or failure to make a reasonable adjustment is discrimination and is unlawful in all aspects of employment. Firms of all sizes are required to comply with the Act's Provisions for service providers.

For further information see the SBS Employment Rights Factsheet Disability Discrimination in Employment URN 00/960. The Commission for Racial Equality guide Equal Opportunities is Your Business Too also has information about disability discrimination, and is written specifically for small businesses.

Advice and booklets:

• Disability Discrimination: What Employers Need to Know (DL170)
• Employing Disabled People: A Good Practice Guide for Managers and Employers (DLE7)
• An introduction for SME's: Right of access to goods, facilities, services and premises (DLE9)

Consult your local Jobcentre for practical advice and help in employing disabled people but not legal advice. The following leaflets are available:

• Sources of Information and Advice (DS13)
• Access to Work (DS4E)
• Job Introduction Scheme (DS5E)
• Becoming a Disability Symbol User (DS7E)

Equality Direct and the Government's Disability website should also have practical advice.