ME/CFS: Changes to UK employment law

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Changes to UK employment law (Source: afme.org.uk)

From 01 October it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a

disabled employee because of their disability.

Until now the law has only applied to employers with fifteen or more

employees, but now it applies regardless of the organisation's size.

(The armed forces are the only exempt organisation.)

CFS/M.E. is recognised as a chronic illness and is therefore classed as

a disability under the new employment law.

The changes mean that a disabled person cannot be discriminated against:

* In the recruitment process

* In their terms and conditions of employment

* In chances for promotion, transfer, training or other benefits

* By dismissing them unfairly

* By treating them less fairly than other workers

* By subjecting them to harassment

Employers also have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled

job applicants and staff where appropriate. These include making

physical adjustments to premises, altering the person's working hours or

providing additional support.

For full details on the new changes to the law on the employment of

disabled people please see the

<http://www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/newsdetails.asp?id=725§ion=4>