Grants are being offered to small businesses in Guernsey to ensure sites and facilities are fully accessible.

Employers in Guernsey, Herm and Jethou have a duty to carry out “reasonable adjustments” for disabled employees.

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered through the Guernsey Insurance Fund to help with any modifications.

Officials said the scheme aimed to “support disabled people and smaller local businesses where the cost of the adjustment would represent a disproportionate burden”.

The grants could help fund the “purchase of appropriate aids or specialist equipment, software, etc”, they added.

Grants were being capped at £5,000 per person within any period of 12 months, and the cost of the scheme was not due to exceed £50,000 a year, officials also said.

Employment and Social Security Committee Vice President Lindsay de Sausmarez,said the main purpose of the scheme was to “support an inclusive and diverse workforce for the benefit of both employees and employers”.

She said: “Many workplace adjustments can be made for free or at minimal cost, but some adjustments may be unaffordable for small businesses.

“In these circumstances, disabled employees, prospective employees and self-employed persons can apply for a grant to cover the cost of aids and equipment that would help to reduce or remove a disadvantage.”

Before applying, employees must first ask their employer to make a reasonable adjustment.

The changes to Guernsey’s discrimination laws, criminalise discrimination on the grounds of disability, carer status, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.