TUC calls for disabled laws to be extended

The TUC has called for private companies to be subject to the same anti-discrimination laws as local councils.

Councils and health authorities have a duty to promote equality towards disabled people and prevent harassment and discrimination, but there is no such legal duty for private sector firms.

And it is disabled people who are the most vulnerable, according to Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC.

He said: 'If this duty did apply, there would be nowhere for discriminating bosses to hide.

'Some employers are forward-thinking enough to be employing disabled workers, but many others allow their prejudices to affect their recruitment decisions.

'As it is, until employer attitudes change, no law is going to prevent a prejudiced employer deciding not to employ a disabled person.

He continued: 'Even when a disabled person has been successful at interview, the odds still stack up against them.

'Disabled people earn less money per hour than other workers, and are more likely to remain on the lowest, most junior grades. They also tend to be passed over for promotion and often miss out on training opportunities at work.'

More disabled people than ever are working, and Nigel Costley urged bosses to continue this trend and make even more of an effort to employ them.

He said: 'The picture now looks much more promising for disabled job hunters than was previously the case. Seven years ago less than four in ten of people with disabilities were working, now just under half are employed. But compared to non-disabled people (three quarters of whom are actually in work), there is still a very long way to go.'

Nigel Costley is available for comment on 0117 947 0521 (ISDN line available on request) or 07887 797 153

Press release (400 words) issued 26 May 2005