Discrimination in the workplace accounted for more than half of the cases dealt with by the Disability Rights Commission last year, writes Sally Gillen.

Figures compiled by the watchdog, which celebrates its third anniversary this month, show that 55 per cent of the 1,781 cases dealt with last year relate to work.

Since 2000, the DRC has taken over 100 employers to tribunals over alleged acts of discrimination.

They include the £100,000 payout to a betting shop manager, who was supported by the DRC during an employment tribunal after he was sacked because his boss refused to make changes to accommodate his wheelchair.

Chairperson of the DRC Bert Massie said: “Disabled people are telling us that the workplace continues to be a hostile environment. This need not be the case. Often all that is needed is a small adjustment which may cost nothing or very little.”

He added that the “considerable talent” of disabled people was being wasted “for want of a little flexibility and common sense”.

Meanwhile, the TUC is asking trade union members to sign a petition calling for the government to introduce a new law to provide equal rights for disabled people in the workplace.

It wants to see the definition of disability broadened to include those with mental health problems and the removal of exemptions from the Disability Discrimination Act’s remit of a range of particular jobs.

It also wants to see the removal of a loophole which allows employers to discriminate on the grounds of disability as long as they have “justified” their decision.