The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance to help employers understand their legal obligations and the steps they can take to support disabled employees with hybrid working.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the new resources was designed for small and medium-sized employers so they can support disabled staff with reasonable adjustments and help their “employees to thrive when hybrid working”.
Recent employment tribunal cases have underlined the need for more clarity for employers in this area.
The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments, meaning they must take steps to remove, reduce or prevent obstacles a disabled worker faces.
Making these adjustments creates environments where staff can perform more effectively and achieve their full potential.
“Implementing reasonable adjustments are important for organisations, as it ensures our disabled colleagues are able to work in an environment that meets their needs,” said Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson.
“The Legally Disabled? research from Cardiff University and the Law Society’s Disabled Solicitors Network found clear evidence that disability has been largely overlooked when it comes to improving diversity and inclusion in the solicitors’ profession.
“We welcome the EHRC’s new guidance and resources, as it provides practical tips on what employers can do – such as identifying technology to help disabled employees work flexibly – to create a working environment fit for disabled people.
“The Law Society’s guidance on reasonable adjustments and digital accessibility also provides real life examples of how law firms and in-house teams have embedded disability inclusion.”
Commission chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner claimed the new resources would “help organisations to embrace the benefits that reasonable adjustments can bring in attracting, empowering and retaining top talent.”
