Both sets of 2003 amending regulations are designed to implement the EC general framework Directive 2000/78/EC (concerned with equal treatment in employment and occupation, so far as it relates to disability discrimination - see generally notes at Discrimination/new EC directives ).

The main amendment regulations (SI 2003/1673) are complex and long (59 pages + 7 pages of explanatory notes). They make massive technical and detailed changes to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 ("DDA"), including a new definition of "discrimination" and "harassment" (and they also make consequential changes to many other Acts).

In addition, and more basically, as from 1st October 2004, the main 2003 amendment regulations (SI 2003/1673) ended the exemption for small businesses (less than 15 employees) from the DDA by repeal of Disability Discrimination Act 1995 s.7 and brought police officers, fire-fighters, prison officers, barristers and partners in partnerships within the scope of the Act's employment provisions (see notes at Disability Discrimination/Disability Discrimination Act 1995/exemptions ).

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Pensions) Regulations 2003 SI 2003/2770 deal with disability discrimination issues in relation to occupational pension schemes, essentially to make such discrimination unlawful. They insert new sections into the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Part 2 (which concerns discrimination in the employment field).

On 1st October 2004, separately from the regulations noted above and after a detailed consultation process, two new DDA Codes of Practice came into force (see notes at Disability Discrimination/codes of practice ). The DRC October 2004 employment Code of Practice admits that the October 2004 changes, while increasing the level of protection for disabled people, "also add to the complexity of the law". This is particularly true in regard to the issue of justification (see notes at Disability Discrimination/Justification ).

A copy of the Disabililty Discrimination Act 1995 AS AMENDED on 1st October 2004 is available in this program at Acts of Parliament etc/Disability Discrimination Act 1995 ([professional versions only).

See also notes at Disability Discrimination/Justification and/or Disability Discrimination/reasonable adjustments and/or Acts of Parliament etc/Disability Discrimination Act 2005