Sir – Rejecting a woman’s job application based on concern that an existing condition today could become a disability tomorrow has been declared disability discrimination by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

The landmark ruling will be welcomed by all who campaign for people with disabilities, and should be a warning to all employers tempted to use a perceived disability to discriminate against job applicants.

Members of The British Polio Fellowship never imagined that Polio would return decades later in the form of Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). We would never have worked, had employers used the risk of future PPS to deny us employment. Firms in the past gave you the opportunity to prove your worth and employers must adopt that spirit today. Enormous strides have been made to combat such discrimination, but my generation may have had it better in this case, so it is welcome EAT has make the law on ‘perceived disability’ clear.

I perceive employers will now beware of falling foul of this ruling, given the employer in this case was Norfolk Constabulary. Over 120,000 people in the UK are living with PPS and an estimated 40,000,000 worldwide and those in work should not have to fear unemployment due to perceived disability. The British Polio Fellowship continues to raise awareness and offer support to those who are affected by PPS. Polio survivors and the medical community should contact The British Polio Fellowship on 0800 043 1935 or visit www.britishpolio.org.uk for further information.

David Mitchel,

National Chairman, The British Polio Fellowship