Government widens scope of disability law

The government has proposed changes to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) that include a re-definition of the meaning of disability and an end to the exemption of small employers from the Act.

The proposals, contained in a document called Towards inclusion - civil rights for disabled people, form the government's response to recommendations from its Disability Rights Task Force. The government is now consulting on the proposals.

The TUC said that the new measures "would be of very significant benefit to very many disabled people." However, it described as "deeply disappointing" the fact that the abolition of the small employers' exemption will be deferred until 2004. It is urging respondents to the consultation to "press for the government to change its mind and to bring forward the date to the earliest possible."

The TUC and disability organisations have welcomed the proposal to extend the definition of disability to cover HIV infection from diagnosis, and cancer from the point at which it has substantial consequences. Currently, people with conditions such as HIV or cancer are not protected at work by the Act if they show no symptoms.

* The consultation questionnaire is available by post from DRTF Consultation, Freepost CY 1199, PO Box 2001, Burgess Hill, RH15 8BR, or at dfee.gov.uk