Although the second stage of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) does not come into force until October, the construction industry should be taking into consideration now the requirements of the Act to provide access for disabled people, both for themselves and clients.

From October, most buildings into which the public are invited (exceptions can be made in cases of historic properties or other special circumstances) will be required to have access for disabled people, such as those in wheelchairs.

The Act covers all premises open to the public, including shops and offices, including those of masonry businesses that invite the public into a showroom, for example.