THE Royal National Institute of the Blind claims that nine out of 10 employers in the south-west may be breaking the law by discriminating against blind and partially sighted people.

According to a new report by the RNIB, entitled Beyond the Stereotypes, 92 per cent of employers believe it would be "difficult or impossible" to employ someone with a sight problem.

The findings come despite it being illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The RNIB says that with the right support, people with sight problems can succeed in the workplace, but often few are allowed the chance.

The charity thinks it strange that with 600,000 vacancies at job centres, three quarters of blind and partially sighted people remain unemployed.

Despite the Disability Discrimination Act and the government's Access to Work scheme, providing practical and financial help to support disabled people at work, the RNIB says that little has improved in the last ten years.

Stuart Cunningham, employment consultant at RNIB Bristol, said: "Ignorance and outdated attitudes are preventing blind and partially sighted people getting into work.

"Many employers do not realise that support from organisations like the RNIB and government schemes such as Access to Work are available to them if they employ, or want to find out more about employing, blind or partially sighted people.

"By providing support and informing employers of schemes, the RNIB hopes that employers will change their belief that employing people with sight problems is too difficult and expensive."

As part of the campaign to change the attitudes of employers, the RNIB is hosting a series of regional events.

These events are open to employers, employees and the general public to provide information about equipment, technologies and services to help people with sight difficulties at work.

To find out more, call the RNIB helpline on 0845 766 9999, or visit www.rnib.org.uk