Published: 04 Feb 2016
Commenting in response to Grosvenor shopping centre in Macclesfield banning people with particular disabilities from using the Centre because they may not be able to escape in an emergency, Lord Holmes, Disability Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
'We have written to Grosvenor today to warn them that they could be breaking the law by banning people with particular disabilities from entering their shopping centre. 'Service providers have a responsibility to plan in advance for the needs of disabled people and ensure they can get in and out of their premises safely. Grosvenor’s failure to do so is a potential breach of the Equality Act 2010. 'We have asked Grosvenor to send us written confirmation of what action they are taking to meet their legal obligations and ensure that people with disabilities can use their shopping centre easily and safely.'
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
- For further information please contact the media office on 0161 829 8102, out of hours 07767 272 818.
- See our guidance on service provider’s responsibilities to disabled people under the Equality Act.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It operates independently to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. It encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998 and is accredited by the UN as an ‘A status’ National Human Rights Institution.