Equality Act 2010

Kelly1976
Kelly1976 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Everyday life
I am just wondering if there is any point to the Equality Act 2010. If a business discriminates, unless the individual takes out private action with great expense, nothing happens. A business, local to me, placed parking terms and conditions signs in an inaccessible location then fined disabled people for not adhering to them. Despite being made to change the signs, the business is taking no accountability and upholding the charges. I can’t see the point in a law that is supposed to stop discrimination when businesses ignore it and penalise disabled people. They are profiting from their indirect discrimination. 

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello @Kelly1976 and welcome to the community :) Thanks for posting this evening. I'm sorry to hear about that local business not taking any accountability for the barriers it has created.

    I think there are many who who argue that the Equality Act really isn't fit for purpose, and doesn't have the "fangs" it needs legally speaking to really push through change, and hold businesses accountable. It's frustrating.

    If you could make one change to things right now, what would it be?
  • Kelly1976
    Kelly1976 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Hello
    The change that I would make is for those with the power to enforce equality laws to do so. As it is, powerful businesses, such as the one I refer to, are allowed to discriminate against the powerless and nothing happens. The lack of consequence enables these types of business to continue operating without having to create true equality. These businesses  know that the average disabled person does not have the financial resources or legal knowledge to challenge them and they either ignore them completely or deny any wrongdoing until they give up. 
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Hello @Kelly1976! If you could make this change, we would fully support you.

    It is truly sad to hear but thank you for continuing to bring awareness to such things. It is really important and will hopefully one day lead to change.

    In the meantime, is there anything we can do to support you?  :)
  • Kelly1976
    Kelly1976 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Hello,

    It is very frustrating! I do not need any support at the moment, thank you. 
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    I hear your frustration @Kelly1976 <3

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