I have heard that the new equality act, addictions are no longer seen as a disability. Is this true?

Yes, alcoholism, nicotine addiction and substance abbuse are still not recognized as disabilities.

There are exceptions though. If you get addicted to a drug because you used it as a treatment for medical conditions, then it's a disability. Like if you're clinically depresed and you take Prozac, and you get addicted to Prozac then that's a disability.

We've had an employee who admitted to stealing from co-workers. He sued us when he was fired claiming that kleptomania was a disability... he lost. Would he win now?

Nope... kleptomania, arson, sexual abuse and other mental conditions are not disabilities in itself.

What other sicknesses are not considered disabilities now?

The new act has a lot. Such as hay fever, body piercings and tattoos.

Remember that to be protected against disability discrimination under the equality act, you have to prove that you have a disability.

Right! But how do you prove it? How doe the Act define disability?

Well, it has to be long term and the condition should have severe effects on your ability to carry out day to day activities.