Update on Disability Access in England

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HUNDREDS of employers and scores of schools and colleges could face tribunals for failing to provide equal access for disabled people.

A total of 622 organisations are being investigated after complaints about lack of access to work and education in Merseyside and Cheshire under the six-month-old Disability Discrimination Act.

It says all shops, service providers, employers and educators should provide "reason-able access" to people with disabilities.

New figures released by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) show there have been 550 complaints about employers across the region and 72 about educational establishments.

None of the potential offenders have been named, but complaints are understood to range from discrimination in the workplace to lack of wheelchair access and computer facilities.

Last month, the Daily Post revealed hundreds of shops, businesses and public bodies are also facing legal action for failing to provide reasonable access to goods and services for disabled people.

The DRC has earmarked 226 of 417 complaints as possible cases, which could see offenders hit with fines of up to £50,000 if they reach court.