Disability law creates stress for SMEs

SMALL BUSINESSES are being warned that employees suffering from stress will soon have the same rights as those with physical disabilities.

Under the protection of the new Disability Discrimination Bill, which comes into effect in October, companies employing less than 15 people will, for the first time, also be bound by this legislation, aimed at protecting those with mental illnesses.

Russell Brown, employment law specialist at Manchester law firm, Glaisyers, said:

The main fear is that a measure to protect those with severe mental illness will encourage those with less serious problems, including stress, to qualify as disabled and make claims for compensation against their employees.

Smaller companies which have not previously had to content with disability law could be the most severely hit.

Iím concerned that by lowering the barrier to prospective claimants, the Government will allow less honourable individuals to take advantage of the system and sue their employees without justifiable grounds.