Sherie books her place in the annals of employment law

A straightforward guide to the employment provisions of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) has been written by a lawyer with her own experiences of discrimination.
Sherie Griffiths, head of Essex-based Griffiths Legal, has put together the simple, easy to understand guide through the maze of legislation.

Discrimination is the fastest changing area of employment law and disability discrimination in particular is one of the most complicated and difficult parts for employers to get right.

Sherie, who is a guide dog owner, has aimed the easy-to-understand content of the handbook at people working in the Human Resources arena. It is designed to help them chart their way through the DDA minefield without the need to resort to expensive legal fees as soon as a DDA uncertainty arises.

Sherie, who has her office in Chelmsford, said: ìEveryone is terrified of getting it wrong. This will give them a basic knowledge which they can use easily on a day to day basis. They are currently working from a firefighting position, rather than reaping the benefits of employing people with disabilities.î

Designed as a CD reference source, the book covers elements of the Act itself, Codes of Practice and case law examples, pulling them together into subject-based sections.
Sherie said: ìThe guide covers the main issues which people constantly ask Griffiths Legal to clarify - recruitment, employment and post-employment.

ìThe problem is that there can be apparent differences between the Act and the Code which can affect the outcome of an issue. This guide serves to give a coherent picture so people donít end up taking an expensive wrong turn.
ìIt is a very human subject and it brings out the strongest reactions on both sides. People can have very entrenched views which come from a lack of understanding.î

She provides a wealth of examples of the DDA in action because she believes that people find it easier to respond to stories, rather than dry legal terminology.

Sherie is hoping Is the DDA working for you? will also help to change the attitudes of people who believe that disabled people cannot make a valuable contribution to the economy.
ìThey are one fifth of the market with 50bn to spend annually,î she explains.

ìWith awareness of the benefits, this can be changed from a problem to a solution.î

With the 30,500 words in the first edition, regular updates are planned and Sherie is already working on the next volume which will be targeted at service providers.

Sherie added: ìI was inspired to improve on the type of books available on the subject. They tend to be very dry and I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for the law and how fascinating it is in the way it is always changing.î

To buy a copy of Is the DDA working for you? costing 24.99 contact Griffiths Legal, on 01245 218082 or email sherie@griffithslegal.com