BUSINESSES are being urged to improve access for disabled people.

The Disability Rights Commission is launching a new Code of Practice on February 26 that will call on firms to make "reasonable adjustments."

Firms that have already complied with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in 2004, are not affected.

The Commission said "reasonable adjustments" involved simple, low-cost changes to premises that would help firms tap into the estimated £40 billion spending power of disabled consumers.

The DRC has produced A Practical Guide for Small Businesses, available by telephoning 08457 622633 or visiting www.drc-gb.org