The government's disability watchdog has told ministers that gaps in existing legislation are providing a "license to discriminate".

Publishing its annual review on Monday, the Disability Rights Commission warned that nearly ten per cent of callers to a national helpline were turned away last year because they were not protected by the law.

The DRC said it was "powerless" to deal with thousands of situations where disabled people have been sacked from work or refused access to services because they are not protected by the law.

While welcoming the action taken so far by the government to tackle discrimination, the watchdog said that ministers should do more to protect disabled people.

"The government has delivered much needed reform for Britain's 8.6 million disabled people. But it is critical that the pace is maintained," said DRC chairman Bert Massie.

"I don't question the government's commitment in this area, but there are further important reforms that are still in the pending tray, and we need to pick up the pace and get them done."

The DRC said that key areas for action include lack of access to public transport and private clubs.

It also wants people suffering from HIV and cancer to be brought within the definition of disability.