03/09/2002
Research reveals workplace discrimination continues
New research from the Equality Commission has revealed that people with disabilities are still suffering discrimination in the workplace due to ignorance of key legislation that highlights the responsibility of business to provide equality of opportunity.
The study, published on Monday, 2 September, shows that only 43% of disabled people are aware of key legislation that outlaws discrimination against them, compared to 57% of non-disabled people. Northern Ireland businesses are also still largely unaware of their responsibilities under this legislation. More than 70% of those surveyed in the retail, leisure and financial sectors did not realise that they had a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to enable disabled people to use their services.
The findings come just weeks after the Equality Commission announced that Northern Ireland businesses have paid out £72,000 in compensation to people with disabilities. Eleven compensation settlements were reached during the first year in which the Commission assisted complainants in bringing cases under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Equality Commission is working hard to raise awareness of the DDA and the rights of disabled people. It recently ran a successful advertising campaign highlighting disability discrimination, and regularly offers advice, information and training to individuals, employers and service providers.
Chief Commissioner, Joan Harbison said: “There is evidence that service providers are beginning to address the needs of people with disabilities, but we must guard against complacency. These findings emphasise the need for action from a range of stakeholders, and highlight the importance of strong effective legislation.
"Accurate and up-to-date information is essential if we are all to play our part in developing a more equal society. The results of this research will inform debate and ensure that society pays greater attention to putting disability discrimination issues at the heart of equality work.”
(CL)
The study, published on Monday, 2 September, shows that only 43% of disabled people are aware of key legislation that outlaws discrimination against them, compared to 57% of non-disabled people. Northern Ireland businesses are also still largely unaware of their responsibilities under this legislation. More than 70% of those surveyed in the retail, leisure and financial sectors did not realise that they had a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to enable disabled people to use their services.
The findings come just weeks after the Equality Commission announced that Northern Ireland businesses have paid out £72,000 in compensation to people with disabilities. Eleven compensation settlements were reached during the first year in which the Commission assisted complainants in bringing cases under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Equality Commission is working hard to raise awareness of the DDA and the rights of disabled people. It recently ran a successful advertising campaign highlighting disability discrimination, and regularly offers advice, information and training to individuals, employers and service providers.
Chief Commissioner, Joan Harbison said: “There is evidence that service providers are beginning to address the needs of people with disabilities, but we must guard against complacency. These findings emphasise the need for action from a range of stakeholders, and highlight the importance of strong effective legislation.
"Accurate and up-to-date information is essential if we are all to play our part in developing a more equal society. The results of this research will inform debate and ensure that society pays greater attention to putting disability discrimination issues at the heart of equality work.”
(CL)
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Discrimination awards in UK reach record highs
Employment tribunals in the UK have awarded a record £3.53 million in compensation in unlawful discrimination cases in 2000. According to the latest figures, this represents an increase of 38 per cent on the total payouts made in the previous year.
Discrimination awards in UK reach record highs
Employment tribunals in the UK have awarded a record £3.53 million in compensation in unlawful discrimination cases in 2000. According to the latest figures, this represents an increase of 38 per cent on the total payouts made in the previous year.
10 August 2010
£2M For Belfast Office Refurbishment
Over £2m is to be spent on a city centre office building that is to be given a major refit and refurbishment. The project is for internal work on the Department of Finance and Personnel building at College Street, an existing six-storey 1960s building.
£2M For Belfast Office Refurbishment
Over £2m is to be spent on a city centre office building that is to be given a major refit and refurbishment. The project is for internal work on the Department of Finance and Personnel building at College Street, an existing six-storey 1960s building.
19 December 2003
New Employment Equality Regulations
Recruitment specialists, Blue Arrow, have warned businesses not to be caught out by new Employment Equality Regulations. The Regulations, which are designed to outlaw any forms of direct or indirect discrimination against an individual on the grounds of religious belief or sexual orientation, were introduced at the start of December 2003.
New Employment Equality Regulations
Recruitment specialists, Blue Arrow, have warned businesses not to be caught out by new Employment Equality Regulations. The Regulations, which are designed to outlaw any forms of direct or indirect discrimination against an individual on the grounds of religious belief or sexual orientation, were introduced at the start of December 2003.
06 February 2003
Minister launches anti-discrimination consultation
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Des Browne has announced the publication of a consultation document setting out proposals for legislation to implement European Union equality obligations in Northern Ireland.
Minister launches anti-discrimination consultation
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Des Browne has announced the publication of a consultation document setting out proposals for legislation to implement European Union equality obligations in Northern Ireland.
22 August 2018
Equality Training Sessions Announced
A number of training sessions for employers and service providers across NI have been announced by the Equality Commission's Advisory Services Team. The training sessions cover some of the most common enquiries received by the Equality Commission each year and will help keep employers on the right side of the law.
Equality Training Sessions Announced
A number of training sessions for employers and service providers across NI have been announced by the Equality Commission's Advisory Services Team. The training sessions cover some of the most common enquiries received by the Equality Commission each year and will help keep employers on the right side of the law.
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