Testing applicants' basic reading and writing skills could land employers in court.

The warning follows a landmark case which ruled mild forms of dyslexia to be considered as a disability. In July, Chief Inspector David Paterson won his case against the Metropolitan Police for their failure to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate his disability - particularly in relation to an examination for promotion.

An initial employment tribunal ruled he was not disabled but this was overturned on appeal. A further tribunal will now take place to rule whether his claim for disability discrimination succeeds.

Marcus Difelice, partner at leading law firm Brabners Chaffe Street, said: "Employers need to seriously consider if such tests are necessary or, if they can alter them in a way that makes them fairer to people with dyslexia."

Dyslexia affects around 10 per cent of the population, including celebrities such as Richard Branson, Keira Knightley and Prince Harry.

It is estimated around three million of Britain's workforce may suffer from the disorder.