Menu
09/03/2004
Thousands of SMEs risk prosecution over disability access
More than two-thirds of small business owners risk breaking the law if they fail to make their premises compliant with an extension of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), according to research published today.
From October this year, all UK businesses with fewer than 15 staff will be required by law to make their workplaces accessible to both disabled employees and customers. However, new research by UnumProvident, the UK's leading disability insurer, reveals that up to 90,000 small to medium business owners in the UK are "entirely ignorant" of these impending changes.
In UnumProvident's latest survey, 69% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) bosses were unaware of the upcoming changes. But when the details were explained to them 71% said they believed that the DDA was the best way of combating discrimination against disabled people.
However, 61% of the 1.3 million SME owners in the UK did not realise how or to what extent their businesses would be affected by the new law. Moreover, 39% believed the changes would have absolutely no impact and only 12% thought the amendments would have a large effect on the running of their business.
Despite this, estimates reveal that more than one million small businesses will have to make adjustments to their workplaces or else face possible law suits costing tens of thousands of pounds from customers or industrial tribunals from staff.
At the same time, there is confusion over the cost of making these necessary adjustments. In the survey, 34% of business owners believed they would incur no costs, whereas 14% thought they would have to spend more than £5,000 to become compliant.
Joanne Hindle, Corporate Services Director for UnumProvident, said: "Overall, with only six months to be compliant, the lack of awareness by small business owners on the potential impact of changes to the DDA is a cause for concern.
"For most small to medium businesses the cost implication is more likely to fall between these two extremes. The key principle of the Act is reasonableness and there is still time to respond to the changes by incorporating adjustments into routine maintenance or refurbishment plans. But, it is important to act now before it is too late."
(gmcg)
From October this year, all UK businesses with fewer than 15 staff will be required by law to make their workplaces accessible to both disabled employees and customers. However, new research by UnumProvident, the UK's leading disability insurer, reveals that up to 90,000 small to medium business owners in the UK are "entirely ignorant" of these impending changes.
In UnumProvident's latest survey, 69% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) bosses were unaware of the upcoming changes. But when the details were explained to them 71% said they believed that the DDA was the best way of combating discrimination against disabled people.
However, 61% of the 1.3 million SME owners in the UK did not realise how or to what extent their businesses would be affected by the new law. Moreover, 39% believed the changes would have absolutely no impact and only 12% thought the amendments would have a large effect on the running of their business.
Despite this, estimates reveal that more than one million small businesses will have to make adjustments to their workplaces or else face possible law suits costing tens of thousands of pounds from customers or industrial tribunals from staff.
At the same time, there is confusion over the cost of making these necessary adjustments. In the survey, 34% of business owners believed they would incur no costs, whereas 14% thought they would have to spend more than £5,000 to become compliant.
Joanne Hindle, Corporate Services Director for UnumProvident, said: "Overall, with only six months to be compliant, the lack of awareness by small business owners on the potential impact of changes to the DDA is a cause for concern.
"For most small to medium businesses the cost implication is more likely to fall between these two extremes. The key principle of the Act is reasonableness and there is still time to respond to the changes by incorporating adjustments into routine maintenance or refurbishment plans. But, it is important to act now before it is too late."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2010
SMEs Back Budget Pledges
Small business support group the Forum of Private Business has welcomed a number of key victories for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tuesday's Budget.
SMEs Back Budget Pledges
Small business support group the Forum of Private Business has welcomed a number of key victories for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tuesday's Budget.
21 May 2010
Coalition 'Will Aid UK's Private Businesses'
There has been a positive reaction to the publication of the full coalition agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. The Forum of Private Business has said that their initial impression is that thousands of smaller businesses could benefit from many of the measures outlined in the document.
Coalition 'Will Aid UK's Private Businesses'
There has been a positive reaction to the publication of the full coalition agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. The Forum of Private Business has said that their initial impression is that thousands of smaller businesses could benefit from many of the measures outlined in the document.
20 October 2011
Bank Support For Small Firms 'Not Enough'
Research shows bank initiatives to boost small business lending have not gone far enough, says the Forum of Private Business Just over a year after the launch of the British Bankers' Association's Business Finance Taskforce, new research suggests that it has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses.
Bank Support For Small Firms 'Not Enough'
Research shows bank initiatives to boost small business lending have not gone far enough, says the Forum of Private Business Just over a year after the launch of the British Bankers' Association's Business Finance Taskforce, new research suggests that it has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses.
12 May 2010
Small Businesses Back Cameron
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the appointment of the new Prime Minister, David Cameron. The small business support group hopes the announcement of an agreement for No 10 will mark the start of a stable and functional administration, which is committed to ensuring economic recovery.
Small Businesses Back Cameron
The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the appointment of the new Prime Minister, David Cameron. The small business support group hopes the announcement of an agreement for No 10 will mark the start of a stable and functional administration, which is committed to ensuring economic recovery.
23 February 2011
Welcome For EU Review Of Support For Small Businesses
The UK Government, alongside other European member states including Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European Commission’s Small Business Act Review.
Welcome For EU Review Of Support For Small Businesses
The UK Government, alongside other European member states including Belgium and Italy, today welcomed publication of the European Commission’s Small Business Act Review.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
