Disability Matters – Creating a Level Playing Field
A new study from the National Centre for Social Research, involving 12,000 UK adults between April 2020 and January 2021, shows that people who experienced a drop in household income during the pandemic are recording the sharpest increases in mental illness. People who have been furloughed have typically lost 9% of their income, while those on Universal Credit may have lost as much as 40%.
While mental health illness increased across all groups, those who became newly dependent on Universal Credit or furlough grants experienced the most dramatic and ongoing decline. The most alarming rates of mental ill health were recorded in the “multi – strugglers” group. These were people who had longstanding financial difficulties.
In response, NHS mental health providers have established 24/7 helplines and the government are encouraging anyone struggling with their mental health to come forward for help.
As part of our firm’s contribution towards positive change and equality of opportunity in the workplace, we are running a new campaign to stamp out disability discrimination in the workplace. Disability Matters – Creating a Level Playing Field launches on 1 May 2021 and a number of activities will take place throughout this month.
Our employment law team will be available to help employees fight for their rights to reasonable adjustments to their workplace so they can stay in work. We can also help if employees are treated unfavourably because of their disability. We are offering free 30 minute legal advice clinics for both employees and employers. This is because it is also important to educate and guide employers in best practice, when dealing with staff who have disabilities.
Another key part of our campaign to stamp out disability discrimination at work is to offer free training. Our virtual seminar Managing Ill Health and Disability – Best Practice for Employers runs from 1-2pm on Thursday 20 May and can be booked here.
At a time when people are for the first time finding themselves classed as disabled, or discover that some of their staff are covered by the Equality Act definition of disability, it is important we take positive action.
Our confidential legal helpline for both employers and employees on Disability Rights at Work runs from 3.30pm – 5.30pm on Tuesday and Thursdays throughout May. Get in touch on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
