In Pre-Carers Week Visit, Wendy Welcomes Bill to Outlaw Discrimination against Carers

Anybody who is ‘associated with’ someone who is disabled will have new rights following the passing of the forthcoming UK Equality Bill. This means that it would be unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees who have caring responsibilities, be it a disabled family member or otherwise.

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Wendy said:

“This is a big step in the right direction for equality law. It will see carers provided with the same rights as people who don’t have any caring responsibilities.

It should put an end to the cases where an employee feels treated less favourably than other employees because they are also a carer.

Employers will need to review their current working practices and allow carers greater flexible hours and support.”

Carers Week 2009 runs from the 8th – 14th June. Access the Carers UK website at: http://www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/CarersWeek or http://www.carersweek.org/