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Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) |
The DDA gives people with disabilities rights in employment and applies to all employers. A 'disability' is defined in the Act as 'a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect upon his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'. The Act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments both at interview/selection stage and during employment. In relation to discipline and grievance procedures, employers must clearly ensure they do not discriminate in any area of practice that could lead to dismissal or any other detriment.
Some of the common issues we encounter at Jaluch are: consideration of light duties when an individual returns from an extended period of sick leave; making assumptions as to capabilities at the recruitment stage; trying to ascertain if an employee is protected by the DDA or not . The most recent amendment to this legislation came into effect in 2006 and it requires public sector employers to publish a Disability Equality Scheme.
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