Complying
with the law

Severe disfigurement is included as a disability under the DDA 1995 as a result of lobbying by Changing Faces.

It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone who is an employee or a customer on the basis of his or her appearance. From October 2004 this legislation applies to every employer irrespective of their size.

Disfigurement can happen to anyone, whether from birth or as a result of injury, accident, cancer treatment, facial paralysis or a skin condition. One of your employees may have or acquire a disfigurement so it is essential that you as an employer, your staff and colleagues know what to do when meeting and working with them.

A person with a disfigurement could enter your workplace as a customer. Your staff's uncertainty or awkwardness in dealing with them could translate into a lesser quality of service and result in a discrimination case.

To find out more about our work with employers please call Cathy Ferrett (nee Wheatley), Employment and Customer Service Adviser at Changing Faces on 0845 4500 275 or email cathyw@changingfaces.org.uk