Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
Just because someone is not registered disabled does not mean they do not have a disability. They will still be covered by disability legislation if the condition they have is long term and substantive.
If an individual has a physical or mental impairment, that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to undertake normal day to day activities, they would be deemed to be disabled. These could include (but not limited to):
The 2010 Equality Act also covers recurring or fluctuating conditions such as:
With progressive and genetic disorders such as HIV, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease & Muscular Dystrophy, individuals are automatically covered under the Equality Act 2010 from the day they are diagnosed.
People who have had a physical or mental impairment within the definition are protected from discrimination even if they recover. So, if an individual was discriminated against because they use to have a disability, they could still be protected under the law.
As an employer you have a duty not to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee, including but not limited to:
This is when an individual is treated less favourably than someone else because they are disabled. For example:
As an employer you also have a duty to ensure that your employees are not indirectly discriminated against due to your business policies and operating practices.
Employees are also protected from discrimination on the basis of:
As an employer, if you discriminate or allow your employees to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee with a disability, either directly or indirectly, you could face a tribunal claim for disability discrimination.
The fines / financial awards that can be made against an employer for disability discrimination are unlimited.
In 2019 – 2020 the average tribunal award for disability discrimination was £27,000 with awards up to £265,000.
All Rights Reserved | KeyHR Limited
KeyHR Limited, 2 Torridon Close, Stourport on Severn, Worcester, Worcestershire, DY13 8NB