Jim Hopley says he believes businesses are in for a ‘rude awakening’ when the deadline to create disabled access comes around in September.
In 2018, new disability discrimination laws came into force and businesses were given a two-year window to make reasonable adjustments to their premises. Mr Hopley said although some businesses had made changes to comply with the laws, others had not.
He added that he did not want to see ‘loads of businesses in tribunals for discrimination’ because they did not carry out the work but urged those that had not to make sure they abided by regulations before the September deadline.
‘Work has been restarted on a disability strategy and employing a disability officer, and there has been a reasonable amount of money put in the Government Plan for this,’ he said.
‘Jersey was behind the times when it came to disabilities and discrimination, but the new legislation went through and all this is about changing people’s attitudes.
‘We understand some businesses on the fifth floor of a Victorian building will have a horrendous task. Some businesses have planned for it and made the changes, but some haven’t and they are burying their heads in the sand and are in for a rude awakening.
‘Businesses can take advice before they get them done, from organisations like Citizens Advice.
‘We don’t want to see a raft of actions [against businesses] and tribunals because this is more about changing people’s attitudes.’
A Government of Jersey spokesperson said it did not have power under the new law to inspect buildings or take action against businesses which had failed to comply. However someone with a disability might be able to take the business to a tribunal.
Mr Hopley added: ‘When people think disability they automatically think it is about how can they fit a wheelchair in, but it isn’t just that – it is a host of other things. For example, it is about having white lines on the edge of steps for people who have sight problems, and a hearing loop for those with hearing issues.’
