Leave for disabled staff

The Inland Revenue has recently introduced a disability leave policy that gives disabled staff special leave for medical treatment, physiotherapy or other issues related to their disability.

The PCS civil service union has welcomed the agreement. Equality officer Phil Madelin said: "Identifying time off as 'disability leave' makes it clear that an employer has recognised and is addressing the issues faced by disabled people - rather than just allowing an ad hoc use of 'special paid leave'."

Other government departments with disability leave policies include the Home Office, the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Land Registry.