Disability duty comes into effect

Government departments, local authorities, colleges, universities, health trusts, and all other public authorities will be subject to a new duty to promote disability equality from next month.

Starting on 4 December, the "disability equality duty" (DED) - established under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 - will require public-sector bodies to promote disability equality in every area of their work, including employment practice.

When carrying out their functions, they will have to:

* promote equality of opportunity between disabled people and others;

* eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the Act;

* eliminate harassment that is related to people's disability;

* promote positive attitudes towards disabled people;

* encourage disabled people's participation in public life; and

* take steps to meet disabled people's needs, even if this means more favourable treatment.

Most public bodies will also be obliged to publish a "disability equality scheme" showing how they intend to fulfil the duty. Disabled people must be involved in the development of the scheme, which must be reviewed at least every three years.

Bert Massie, chair of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), described the DED as "a new way for public authorities to tackle disability discrimination in a practical way, by introducing policies that actively promote opportunities and so prevent discrimination taking place".

DRC guidance on the duty is available at www.drc.org.uk/employers_and_service_provider/disability_equality_duty.aspx

The TUC's own guidance can be found at www.tuc.org.uk/equality/tuc-12006-f1.cfm#tuc-12006-1