Lords Committee on the Equality Act 2010 hears from disability charities

Also giving evidence is the director of policy and campaigns at the disability campaign group People First (Self Advocacy).

In this week's evidence sessions, the Committee will focus on issues facing disabled people in employment and service provision, such as reasonable adjustments, use of the courts in achieving redress under the Act, and also how the Act impacts on those with learning difficulties.

Those giving evidence tomorrow, at 3.30pm, are Elliot Dunster, Group Head of Policy, Research and Public Affairs, Scope; Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, Mind, and Andrew Lee, Director of Policy and Campaigns, People First (Self Advocacy).

Questions that the Committee is likely to put to the witnesses include:

• What are the problems in accessing employment for people with learning disabilities?
• To what extent do reasonable adjustments solve these problems?
• How can we remedy the perceived lack of clarity from both employers and disabled people on what reasonable adjustments are possible for those with mental health issues?
• How can changes to the Equality Act or Government policy address these problems?
• Is reliance on individuals bringing cases to courts and tribunals an effective way of achieving compliance with the Equality Act? Could this be made easier, and if so how?
• What is your relationship with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)?
• Are disabled people feeling a loss of confidence in the Commission? 

The evidence session will take place at 3.30pm, on Tuesday 20 October, in Committee Room 4a of the House of Lords.