Last Friday saw the introduction of major new employment legislation that could affect both agencies and their clients. The new Disability Discrimination Act demands that all businesses have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled people, such as providing easier access to premises.

However, a survey of 800 companies by the Workplace Law Group found that although 70% of managers felt they were ready to comply with the new disability legislation, 68% had a poor level of understanding of what was needed.

New statutory disciplinary and grievance procedures have also been introduced, which mean employers must follow a stricter set of procedures and guidelines if they want to dismiss an employee. The new law also governs internal grievance procedures if a member of staff is looking to complain.

Last week, The Federation of Small Businesses complained there had not been enough advertising around the new disciplinary rules, so many small firms were unaware of the new procedures.