Skip to main content
In order to provide complete functionality, this web site needs your explicit consent to store browser cookies. If you don't allow cookies, you may not be able to use certain features of the web site including but not limited to: log in, buy products, see personalized content, switch between site cultures. It is recommended that you allow all cookies.
 

ECNI

 
RSS

Every Customer Counts – Assisting retailers

Every Customer Counts – Assisting retailers
11/06/2020
Assisting retailers as they plan to open for business again after lockdown







As retailers plan to reopen their doors, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is calling on all retailers to consider the needs of their disabled customers.

Frank FlemingFrank Fleming, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said: “The Commission fully recognises the community spirit that has been shown across Northern Ireland during lockdown by retailers, groups and individuals. This concerted effort included creating specific early shopping times and priority delivery slots which ensured many of our most vulnerable people including those with a disability received essential food and medical supplies.

All retailers have obligations under the law to make reasonable adjustments for people with a disability to enable them to access goods, facilities and services.

He continued: “Businesses across the retail sector are facing huge challenges as we emerge from lockdown and are, in many cases, implementing new ways of working including the physical access to their businesses to protect the health and safety of their staff and customers. In all of this planning, they must consider how the new access arrangements impact on their disabled customers.

“One in five people have a disability, so as well as retailers ensuring they are operating within the law, it makes good business sense to ensure people with disabilities are able to access their business.

I would encourage retailers to make use of the
‘Every Customer Counts’ online resources. These resources will help retailers examine the accessibility of their services at each stage of the customer journey and to highlight any changes that may be required to improve accessibility for their disabled customers. In many cases, these changes may be simple changes with minimal or no cost.” concluded Frank Fleming.
 


Further information

 



 
< 2020 press releases
Blog