Labour Research January 2004

Equality news

Disability bill changes

The new disability bill announced by the government last month will contain measures to protect people with long term progressive conditions - such as cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis - from discrimination.

The inclusion of a legal duty to promote disability equality - similar to the duty to promote race equality - has been welcomed by the Disability Rights Commission.

The new duty will require public bodies to produce clear policies and action plans to tackle disability discrimination.