Below is the Disability Rights UK August Newsletter:
Welcome to our August 1st E-Bulletin from Disability Rights UK!
This week we’re bringing you the latest updates and news, including information about the new law passed to improve rights for flexible workers, an update on the ticket office closure campaign and a new report spotlighting Disabled peoples’ experiences during COVID. Take a look down below and visit our website to find out more!
Disabled People Launch Legal Challenge Against Consultation of Rail Ticket Office Closures – Consultation to be Extended!
Regular rail travellers Sarah Leadbetter, who is registered blind, and Doug Paulley, a wheelchair user who has hearing loss, claim that the consultation is unlawful and discriminates against Disabled people. They argue the format of the consultation is inaccessible to many Disabled people and lacks information about how the changes may affect them. Read more about this important legal challenge and the ticket office campaigns on our website.
As a result of this campaigning, alongside other organisations, last week it was announced that the ticket office consultation will now be extended until September 1st, with new documents being prepared in accessible formats. We welcome this news, as the original consultation was too short for many people to object in time. Learn more about this important development on our news page.
Unions and Campaigners Call for Better Protections for Flexible Working
The Employment Relations Bill has strengthened employee rights to flexible working, but unions and campaigners, including DR UK, have signed a statement calling on the government to go further and deliver on its promises to unlock flexible working for all. Disabled people have the right to reasonable adjustments in employment under the Equality Act, which does include flexible working. Read more about the TUC’s statement on our website.
Our Stories: Spotlighting Disabled People’s Experiences of COVID
A report written in collaboration between Disability Rights UK and People’s Voice Media has been launched, spotlighting the experiences of Deaf and Disabled people who were left ignored and at risk by the government during the pandemic. The aim of this report is to bring our experiences to the COVID-19 inquiry, so that Disabled people’s voices can be humanised and heard. Read more on our website.
