Access to disbled toilets being restricted by employer

Raksha

My OH has severe mobility issues, receives high rate DLA mobility. Until recently he was able to use the disabled toilets at his Government place of work. Recently, because of cleaning issues, these toilets have been fitted with a Radar lock, but the staff haven't been given individual keys, there is one key which is held in an office in the opposite direction from the toilets...

Because of his mobility, he can't go and get the key AND get to the disabled toilet 'in time' :money:

Is this discrimination?

jazabelle

He could buy his own radar key - and then have access to all the disabled toilets in the country. They cost £4 here including postage. Perhaps he could ask his employer to purchase some for people in his situation?

You can sometimes pick radar keys up from council offices, tourist information offices etc sometimes too.

It could be handy that only key holders can use them - particularly if you have a need to go suddenly, or find it painful to wait outside for it to be free.

WestonDave

RADAR keys are £5 - some councils give them away free - if he gets himself one and keeps it in his desk drawer it solves the problem.

If putting RADAR locks on disabled toilets is generally discriminatory then there are a lot of them around that need solving. It also risks irritating the employer over something trivial where it could be argued that as someone needing to use disabled toilets, its not unreasonable to expect him to have his own RADAR key.

custardy

Has he even asked about getting a key from work?
seems a bit early to jump on a discrimination bandwagon?

Twisted_Cherry

Like others suggest, buy a key... shame I just threw one away that was lingering in a box of things my mum had, she had one but hardly used it except for motorway services! I asked around friends and family and no one wanted one!!!

mountainofdebt

Raksha wrote: »

Is this discrimination?

Not really but probably blinkered vision on the part of his employer.

I do have to ask though, why doesn't he doesn't he just ask his manager for a key? I'm sure once the manager is aware of the issue then it would be rectified.

Raksha

As it happens, I already had a key which I've given him as I don't go out as much as I used to because he can't accompany me anymore.

I just felt it short sighted of his employer not to make sure all disabled employees had access to keys easily before making the changes.

custardy

Raksha wrote: »

As it happens, I already had a key which I've given him as I don't go out as much as I used to because he can't accompany me anymore.

I just felt it short sighted of his employer not to make sure all disabled employees had access to keys easily before making the changes.

once more,did he ask?
being disabled does not equate to needing a key to the toilet by default

Raksha

He says he did, and got the response to ask his manager for the key every time... he did order his own key, but its taken a while to arrive

Tiddlywinks

For goodness sake... why scream 'discrimination'?

The employer has probably put the new lock on the door to prevent misuse of the facility... and just hadn't thought through the consequences.

You have given your OH your RADAR key - so what is your problem?

Your husband could have discussed this - like an adult - with his manager. Don't people talk anymore?

Raksha

Nobody was 'screaming' discrimination, it just seemed very unfair to me that the system seemed to require more from disabled employees than able bodied to access the basic facilities. As you will see from my sig, I struggle to see things from a different point of view, so sometimes need to ask on forums like this. The input on here has helped me, so thanks to those who have helped.