Accessible premises and disability discrimination in the Channel Islands

Jersey's discrimination legislation requires that businesses, service providers and those managing and letting premises take reasonable steps to avoid disadvantaging people with disabilities in relation to the accessibility of their premises.

A number of different measures can be taken to avoid substantial disadvantage. These can include removing a physical feature, altering it or providing a reasonable means of avoiding it. Physical features of premises include the design and construction of buildings, entrances and exits, fixtures, fittings and furnishings.

For example, adjustments that property managers and landlords might consider for existing and prospective tenants include widening doorways, access ramps or the installation of a stairlift.

This is for the benefit of employees, customers, clients and tenants. It also means that your business or premises will be more accessible to the thousands of people in Jersey who have a disability, increasing the number of people who can use your services.

An access audit could be a helpful first step to improving accessibility which can provide the basis for planning your access improvements. An initial review of your premises could even be undertaken virtually.

An access audit will identify current accessibility and areas that you could improve, as well as advising on facilities management (such as use of lighting and signage). Jersey businesses and service providers should consider what is practically achievable and then prioritise the positive changes that can be made.

Guernsey's Discrimination Ordinance introduces a similar duty to take steps to make reasonable adjustments to remove, reduce or prevent obstacles that a disabled person might face in accessing services. However, the duty in respect of adjustments to the physical features of premises will not come into force until 1 October 2028. Separate rules for landlords will come into force no earlier than 1 October 2028.

How Ogier can help

Ogier's Channel Island Employment and Immigration team will be happy to discuss any issues relating to disability discrimination, reasonable adjustments and accessible premises.

Reach out to a member of the team today to learn how they can support you.