§ Mr. Neil HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she proposes to publish the employment code of practice under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if she will make a statement. [40008]
§ Mr. PaiceWe will be publishing the employment code of practice tomorrow and a copy will be placed in the Library.
The code of practice, which has now been approved by Parliament, will come into force on 2 December, the same day that the employment provisions will be commenced. The code gives practical guidance through a wide range of examples to illustrate how employers and others can comply with the employment provisions, although the action required in any given situation will depend on the particular circumstances. By publishing the code now we are giving employers, and others affected by the employment provisions time to familiarise themselves with its guidance and take whatever action they wish in order to prepare for implementation of the new duties and rights.
As well as the printed version, the code will also be available in braille and on audio cassette tape. All formats will be available through Her Majesty's Stationery Office outlets.