Proposed updates to the Human Rights Act — offering protection on the grounds of mental health — will be discussed at a lunch and learn event on Friday.

Guidelines in support of existing and forthcoming legislation regarding disability, employment and the duty to accommodate are being prepared by the Human Rights Commission, according to a statement released today.

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the session in conjunction with the HRC at Appleby Bermuda, Victoria Street, from noon until 1.30pm.

Kendaree Burgess, Chamber executive director stated: “The proposed changes to the Act include adding mental health accommodation. It is important for employers and human resource professionals to understand the proposed changes and how it could potentially affect their business, and current and future staffing needs.”

Sara Clifford, education officer and acting executive officer of the Human Rights Commission, stated: “The Commission has a statutory duty to ensure that our Act, and associated legislation, evolves both to reflect international standards in support of human rights, and to meet the needs of our local context and community.

“As such, we are pleased to hear in the Throne Speech that the Human Rights Act will be updated and amended at last to include mental health as a protected ground.

“This lunch and learn is an opportunity to review existing duties under the Act as relates to accommodation for persons with disabilities and to discuss how best to create more inclusive work environments.

“No one should be denied employment if reasonable accommodations can be made to enable qualified candidates and qualified employees with disabilities to fulfil the duties of the job.”

Download a copy of the act online at www.bermudalaws.bm. To attend the event, contact Stephanie Lee at slee@bcc.bm or call the Chamber on 295-4201.