Legal framework against disability discrimination at work in Cyprus

Purpose – The legal system comprises one of the greatest tools for people with disabilities, in order to ensure and protect their fundamental rights. The present study aimed to focus on the scrutiny of the legal system of the Republic of Cyprus. More specifically, the focus was placed on those laws that refer to the employability of people with disabilities, aiming to present the extent to which disability discrimination at work is prevented in the Republic of Cyprus. Design/methodology/approach – A brief presentation of the laws employed on the prevention of disability discrimination at work worldwide is made; then, a presentation follows on the specific laws employed in the Republic of Cyprus. Findings – The conditions in Cyprus are quite similar compared to the international standards. Cyprus has already introduced numerous laws and regulations regarding the prevention of disability discrimination at work; also, a code of good practice and guidance against disability discrimination at work has been published. However, regardless of the differences between legislation in various countries, the importance of establishing new laws and regulations depends on the extent to which they find application in each society. Therefore, there is an imperative need to set up a national mechanism to monitor the application of these laws and regulations, in order to ensure that discrimination at work is prevented in practice and not only in theory (meaning the establishment of new laws). Originality/value – The findings of this study are useful for policy makers regarding issues of disability discrimination at work for people with disabilities in the Republic of Cyprus.