Britain's 10m disabled gain new rights from today

Around 10 million disabled people are set to benefit from new legislation coming into force today designed to improve rights for the disabled on the high street and in the workplace.

Changes to the Disability Discrimination Act will mean that service providers and businesses "must take reasonable steps" to tackle physical barriers preventing disabled people from accessing their services.

This means businesses like shops, pubs, gyms, libraries, doctors and solicitors up and down the high street need to consider what they can reasonably do to become more accessible.

In addition, small employers will for the first time have the same duties towards disabled staff and job applicants as larger firms. This means not discriminating against employees or potential employees because of their disability and making reasonable adjustments to the workplace.

Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said: "I am tired of hearing that delivering fairness for disabled people is political correctness gone mad. That is nonsense. This new piece of legislation is about making 'reasonable adjustments' so that disabled people can participate more fully in society.

Maria Eagle, Minister for Disabled People added: "By taking early action to improve accessibility, many businesses have already benefited from a wider customer-base. And the spending power of this country's disabled population is £50 billion so it makes sense to cater for their needs. And from Friday legal action can be taken if you don't."

The Disability Discrimination Act defines disability as a "physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities".

The estimated number of adults in Britain covered by this definition is 9.8 million.

(gmcg/mb)