Many companies place a great deal of importance in fairness and equality when hiring new employees. Unfairly and unjustly denying employment to an individual due to a disability is against the law, but unfortunately, those who use an external staffing service may have little say in the process. A staffing service in Florida has recently reached a settlement following a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination.

According to reports, the lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The charge filed against the staffing company was in relation to pre-employment offer health inquiries which were in violation of federal laws. The settlement agreed upon will provide compensation to those affected in the process, and will also ensure that others are not subjected to such unlawful acts in the future.

Federal laws are in place to protect individuals from having to disclose sensitive information concerning a disability provided they don't interfere with the tasks required in employment. Those forced to disclose such information could be subjected to unnecessary and unlawful treatment, which can do a great deal of harm. Staffing agencies may hire workers for a variety of companies, and have the burden of ensuring that the rights of each prospective employee are protected throughout the application and hiring process.

Discrimination in any stage of employment can be stressful and intimidating, and those subjected to it may wish to explore the available options for restitution. Since the process can be complex, a person could speak with an experienced attorney for advice on how to proceed. An attorney can evaluate the situation and assist a client in Florida in pursuing the compensation deserved through a claim against the party or parties deemed at fault.

Source: staffingindustry.com, “Florida staffing firm settles EEOC disability discrimination suit“, Aug. 29, 2017