Employees who are dismissed for long-term absence will find it easier to successfully claim discrimination because the Equality Act places increased obligations on employers to deal with the sickness issues, warns Canada Life Group Insurance.
The Equality Act, which came into force in October, places a greater responsibility on employers to ensure their employment policies avoid discrimination and that sickness and disability in the work place are treated appropriately.
The insurer says advisers should make employer clients aware of the new stricter requirements on their sickness absence and disability procedures.
Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, says: “Next time you speak to a new or existing protection client, don’t forget to highlight how income protection can make dealing with the consequences of the Equality Bill somewhat easier.”
