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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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CAMPAIGN GEARS UP TO HELP FIRMS DEAL WITH LAW ON DISABILITY
Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland is to step up the campaign to inform businesses of the law on disability.
A new series of breakfast briefings begins in May and aims to show how the law now affects more firms in more ways than ever before.
Pam Miller, standards and project manager at Business Link, says, "The Disability Discrimination Act is getting wider all the time. It doesn't just apply to large firms, it doesn't just apply to employees and it is even changing the definition of disabled to include people with AIDS and cancer."
The briefings cover three main subjects - an overview of disability law, preparing to comply with new rules and access issues.
"From 2004, firms will have to make sure their goods and services are accessible by people classed as disabled," says Mrs Miller. "That is going to affect many businesses in Lincolnshire, such as hotels and guesthouses. The rules on employment are also being tightened up."
Among steps an employer may have to take are
· Making adjustments to premises
· Allowing disabled employees to be absent for treatment
· Providing a reader or interpreter
"The Act takes into consideration any costs that would be incurred by the company, potential disruption to the business and the ability of the employer to pay for any changes," explaines Mrs Miller. "But there are many small businesses in Lincolnshire that will have to make changes or risk facing and Industrial Tribunal."
The Act defines a "disabled person" as "anyone who has physical or mental impairment which has a substantial long term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day to day activities".
The law applies to discrimination against potential recruits as well as existing employees.
The briefings are taking place under the auspices of POWER - a partnership between Business Link, Linkage Community Trust and Boston College - backed by the European Social Fund.
POWER - Progressing Opportunities for Work through Education and Research - aims to get more people with disabilities into the workplace. The two-year programme has now been extended for a third year.
"We hope people who come to briefings will then give disabled people a chance through work experience, training or a job," says Mrs Miller.
Businesses can get more information from Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland on 08457 757 4000.
Ends
For further Media Information
CONTACT Duncan Hopwood on 0116 254 4472
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