At present, if you have 15 or more employees, the (DDA) requires that you make requisite dispensations for ensuring that discrimination does not occur in the workplace. This will undoubtedly include the need to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities.

From 1 October 2004 the law will change; the Part 2 exemption for employers with less than 15 employees will be removed and therefore these duties will apply to all within the business community, regardless of sector (excluding the armed forces).

Employers will be (legally obliged) NOT to discriminate by treating disabled employees and/or job applicants less favourably for a reason related to their disability without justification. Employers must take reasonable steps to enable a disabled individual to contribute and operate on a level playing field when compared to other able-bodied employees in all areas of their working environment.