BUSINESSES in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to become more disabled-friendly, before it's too late.

With less than six months to go until the introduction of new legislation cracking down on disability discrimination, nearly 70 per cent of companies in the area are still unprepared.

In response, leading employer of the disabled, Remploy Offiscope has issued a five-month countdown plan for firms who aren't ready.

The Disability Discrimination Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against employees and customers on the grounds of disability, has been amended to include small businesses. When the law is implemented, all employers, however small their workforce, must give disabled people an equal chance of employment.

Companies must also make adjustments so disabled customers can access their goods and services.

"With only six months until the amendment to the Act comes into force, small businesses who have not made adequate provisions must act now - or they could find themselves breaking the law," said Dave Knight, Remploy Offiscope's general manager.

"Those who are unprepared also face missing out on the £50 billion annual spend of disabled consumers."

Remploy's five-month action plan:

June - Give an individual or group responsibility for implementing the plan as this will give employees and customers a contact point for feedback

July - Identify the key areas that need to be addressed. Talk to local disability groups about what to include. Many of them offer free advice on work related matters.

August - Set goals and devise time scales for achieving them.

September - Tell your employees your achievements so far, what the plan is and what effect this will have on them.

October - Publicise your plan to keep people informed of your progress and the goals you've achieved.

Updated: 09:44 Friday, May 28, 2004