Disability Discrimination Act revisions

Kathryn Bailey and Mark Elvins of law firm Addleshaw Goddard recommend retailers take note of a recent amendment to the Act.

This extends the definition of disability to include mental illness, HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis from the point of diagnosis, and could mean a customer being entitled to bring a claim under the act without staff realizing.

As an employer, it's unlawful for you to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee with one of these conditions, and you must also make reasonable adjustments to your premises.

Whilst the size of your shop and the resources available to you will determine reasonable adjustment, it is important to be aware that alterations such as widening doors, installing ramps and altering counter heights could soon fall in your remit.