Disability Law Centre criticises BBC’s The Apprentice

The Principal Solicitor of the Disability Law Centre, Daniel Donaldson, has criticised the BBC show The Apprentice, after a contestant was forced to leave the show due to a medical condition.

Shama Amin announced that she was withdrawing from the programme, citing reasons connected to rheumatoid arthritis. In response, Lord Sugar said that life and business goes on. 

Mr Donaldson, who is a disabled entrepreneur, criticised the show and its apparent reinforcement that people with disabilities cannot succeed in the business world.

He said: “While watching the show, I was totally shocked and appalled. I found Lord Sugar’s response to be offensive, but not surprising

“People with disabilities are 50% more likely to be out of work; and there is little, if any, support available to help disabled entrepreneurs succeed in the world of business

“The law says that reasonable adjustments must be made for people with disabilities to allow access to employment, goods, facilities and services

“in reality, disabled people face discrimination and exclusion in every aspect of their daily lives; but is should not be like this

“The show has reinforced a stereotype, that people with disabilities cannot succeed in the workplace

“in fact, there are many disabled people who want to succeed but find that the barriers – and unreasonable demands – are preventing that success The BBC needs to be reminded of its obligations to support disabled people and Lord Sugar needs to apologise.”