Positively Promoting Disability Equality

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Conference
2006 Local Government Service Group Conference
Date
1 February 2006
Decision
Carried

This Conference notes:

1)That since 2001, all public bodies have – with the passing of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 – a legal duty to positively promoted race equality. This mandate applies to all bodies operating in the Local Government Service Group who provide services to the public;

2)That from 5 December 2005, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 has been further amended to bring cancer, HIV infection and multiple sclerosis under its scope from the point of diagnosis.

Conference welcomes this development, as it seeks to ensure that those who live with these conditions can do so, free from discrimination and in complete confidentiality. Conference notes that the protections under the DDA will only apply if a person identifies the need for ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be made.

Conference further notes that as of December 2006, some public bodies including Local Authorities will have a legal duty to promote disability equality (some others will follow in 2007).

Conference therefore instructs the Local Government Service Group Executive to:

a)Ensure that regional local government committees and local government branches are made aware of the above, and that employers are pressed to ensure that they publish disability equality schemes in readiness for the 2006 deadline following consultation with branches;

b)Work with the Local Government Employers Organisation to ensure that good practice is followed regarding the new disability discrimination provisions which also take into account multiple discrimination

c)Work with the national self-organised groups to issue guidance to Local Government branches, so that people who live with the conditions covered by this legislation do not suffer discrimination should they choose to disclose their condition to their employer;

d)Encourage regional local government committees to consult with regional self organised groups on disability discrimination and the work needed to ensure that members receive appropriate information

e)Ensure that best practice in this area is publicised widely.