NEW laws on how disabled people are treated at work and when they apply for a job come into force this month and 1.1 million small businesses will be affected.
One in five people of working age is disabled from having arthritis or diabetes to being hearing or visually impaired.
Many who run a small business will already be employing a disabled person, possibly without knowing it, as many disabilities are not obvious. Changes to comply with the new law are just part of getting the best out of people.
My message to employers is don't panic. The new laws mean businesses need to make reasonable changes to ensure that the many disabled people who want to work can do so.
Most adjustments are simple and low, or no cost and Job Centre Access To Work schemes may be able to help financially with any changes that need to be made.
For details visit the website www.drc-gb.org or call the DRC Helpline on 08457 622633.
S Alambritis
Federation of Small Businesses and Disability Rights Commission Commissioner
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