Those suffering from progressive illnesses such as HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis are to be given new rights for the first time under legislation to be unveiled shortly.

The government has confirmed that time will be made available for the Disability Discrimination Bill.

Nearly 200,000 people suffer from progressive illnesses - although they are currently excluded from workplace laws which prevent discrimination.

The new law will offer sufferers protection from the point of diagnosis - even if they are showing no symptoms of their condition.

The legislation will be welcomed by groups which represent those suffering from illnesses which require regular medical consultations.

It will assist the 30,000 or so Britons who are using new drugs to combat the effects of HIV.

Tens of thousands of cancer sufferers will also be given greater security by the new laws.

Stigma

Ministers hope the legislation will remove the stigma attached to those who suffer certain progressive conditions.

Often they are forced to leave their jobs or see their career prospects undermined when they are diagnoses as suffering from a progressive illness.

The law will also force public transport providers to ensure they carry anybody with a disability.

And public bodies will be forced to "proactively" meet the needs of disabled people.

The legislation will also force landlords to ensure that their accommodation can be accessed by those with a disability.

The legislation follows the creation of the Disability Rights Commission - which is set to be merged to create a new super commission overseeing equality issues under a separate piece of legislation announced today.