Nearly half of all UK businesses expect upcoming disability laws to have a serious financial impact when they are introduced next year, according to a new survey.

The research, conducted by business information firm Croner, found that 42 per cent of firms polled said that the new anti-discrimination rules will cause a financial strain on their businesses, while 29 per admitted they did not know how the legislation will affect them.

As reported by Startups.co.uk, the government has updated the Disability Discrimination Act to cover small firms, when previously they had no obligation to meet disabled people’s needs.

From 1 October 2004 all companies, regardless of size, will have to make themselves accessible to disabled customers and staff.

This will mean that small firms will have to improve doorways, get rid of unnecessary steps and obstacles or provide their service in a specialised way in order to comply with the regulations.

Worryingly, the government has promised tough action against businesses that ignore the new rules, with research showing that the majority of employers have taken no action so far to improve disabled access.

Sally Wilson, of Croner, said that implementing changes to disabled access will clearly be a costly process, and organisations must start planning now in order to spread the cost and achieve compliance.

“”If they don’t, they risk prosecution, fines, legal costs and discrimination claims when the changes come into force. Not only is this costly but it could damage reputation and business.

“Currently the 8.6 million disabled people in this country are being discriminated against as they often can’t access buildings, or even some public streets.

“They also have more difficulties accessing public attractions such as museums and listed buildings and may find that everyday activities, like shopping, presents problems.

“The clock is ticking, with just one year to go,” she said.

To help employers struggling to get to grips with the new laws, Croner has published a new guide that offers practical advice for businesses that need to improve disabled access.

Access and Inclusion – A Management Guide offers advice on how to carry out audits on premises, make adjustments to a building’s structure and how to draw up a disability policy.

For more information on the guide, visit www.healthandsafety-centre.net