Carers UK have announced that the Government intends to ban discrimination against carers by protecting people who are 'associated with' someone who is disabled. This will apply not only in employment, but also in the provision of goods, facilities and services. The change will be included in the Equality Bill, which will be published later this month.
The Government took account of the historic case of carer Sharon Coleman in making this decision. Sharon claimed that she was discriminated against and harassed because she had a disabled son and was treated less favourably than employees whose children weren't disabled.
Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said, "This is a highly significant decision for carers... Ministers have listened to our arguments and recognised the equality challenges that carers face every day and the urgent need to protect them from discrimination. By putting this commitment into the Equality Bill, in black and white, carers will be able to assert their right not to be discriminated against."
Read the full story on the Carers UK website.
