The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) outlaws discrimination against employees and job applicants on grounds of disability.

In October 2004 the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (DDA Amendment) came into force, which introduced new provisions including a definition of direct discrimination and harassment.

In December 2005 the DDA was further amended by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA 2005) which widened the scope of the DDA in relation to mental illnesses and certain progressive conditions.

The DDA is supplemented by Regulations, a Code of Practice and Guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Code of Practice and Guidance do not impose any legal obligation, an employment tribunal or court must take into account any relevant provisions. 

This is a difficult and sometimes emotive area of the law.  The general rights and obligations of employees and employers are set out below, with further information available to managers and HR professionals to help them better understand some of the more complex issues that arise.