Business Warned To Prepare For New Disability Legislation

October 3rd 2003

Shops, leisure outlets, banks and small businesses across Tayside and Fife will face expensive legal claims unless they take urgent action to prepare for new disability discrimination legislation, a legal expert has warned.

Lesley Paterson of Thorntons Law LLP believes small businesses in Scotland could be hit particularly hard by impending changes to the Disability Discrimination Act intended to force shops and business to improve access and provision for disabled people.

From October 1st next year, all business who provide any kind of service to the public will have to make "reasonable adjustments" to the physical features of their premises to overcome any barriers to access.

That will mean ensuring that all steps, stairways, paving, parking areas and toilet facilities are capable of being negotiated by all able-bodied and disabled customers.

"In effect, this legislation means that scores of businesses across Tayside and Fife are going to have review their premises and many will have to make substantial and perhaps costly physical adjustments - otherwise they will break the law," said Ms Paterson, a senior solicitor with Thorntons and an expert in disability discrimination.

"This change in legislation is still a year away, but there is real concern that very few businesses will be prepared for it.

"To date, very few shops and businesses have taken action to audit or assess their premises and there is good evidence to suggest that many small businesses may be unaware that change will be required.

"For some alterations, local authority planning consents may be required and these should be sought well in advance of the deadline.

"I share the view of Capability Scotland that small businesses in particular can expect to be hit the hardest by this legislation.

"Educational institutions have, for example, been provided with extra funding to ensure they comply with the new laws - but private businesses do not have any financial assistance available.

"For the High Street and for local shops in communities throughout Tayside and Fife, this will be one of the most significant pieces of legislation of the last 50 years.

"Being prepared for its introduction will be absolutely vital."

Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Kimberley Hamilton, Tel 01698 787878