Employers' concerns over legal liability are hindering the employment chances of people with disabilities, it was claimed yesterday.
Terence McCrann, of solicitors McCann FitzGerald, said apprehension about discrimination claims, as well as health and safety concerns, were "major issues" for employers when considering whether to hire people with disabilities.
He said employers needed to overcome their "fears" and acquaint themselves with relevant legal issues, while recognising that hiring people with disabilities could benefit organisations and that people with disabilities were "extremely reliable employees".
Mr McCrann was speaking at the launch of a new report by McCann FitzGerald which advises companies of legal issues in the area.
He said senior executives should agree a policy on employing people with disabilities. "Employers need to ask themselves whether they want to positively encourage people with disabilities to be employed, as opposed to just doing the minimum required to comply with law," Mr McCrann said.
A company's recruitment process must be devised in such a way that it does not discriminate against those with disabilities, he said, while areas such as training, promotion and employment condition reviews must also be adjusted. Employers should also be aware that they are required under the Equality Act 2004 to take appropriate measures to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, he added.
