SALISBURY solicitors Whitehead Vizard are advising small and medium-sized enterprises to prepare now for the Act's requirements.

The High Street firm says it makes good business sense to comply with the changes, as disabled people in the country have a spending power of £50 billion.

Partner David Ridley says: "This is an important issue.

"The forthcoming changes will affect the current employment provisions by widening the duty to make reasonable adjustments to cover all stages of the employment process," he said.

"Furthermore, they will impose a fresh duty on those businesses who provide services in their premises not to discriminate against disabled people who wish to access the premises and the services provided.

"The duty affecting service providers will require those businesses affected to make 'reasonable adjustments'," Mr Ridley said.

"Simple steps such as putting products or equipment on lower shelves, clearer signage, documents available in braille and earmarked parking spaces can all satisfy the changing criteria," he said.

He added: "You need to take into account the nature of your business, your employees and your customers, and seek advice on where and how to make the changes."