The Extent of Use of Health and Safety Requirements as a False Excuse for Not Employing Sick or Disabled Persons

IRS Research was commissioned to conduct a research project on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive and the Disability Rights Commission.

The aim of the project was to establish the nature and extent of the problem of health and safety requirements being used as a "false excuse" for not employing or continuing to employ disabled people or people with an injury or ill-health condition.

The research was conducted between April and November 2002 and comprised several interrelated elements.

The key findings of each stage of the project are summarized in this report.