If you have a disability and require some support, we may be able to help you. We can provide advice and guidance on reasonable adjustments, redeployment and information about Access to Work.
Definition of disability
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) a person is treated as having a disability if she or he has "a physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities".
The DDA protects you from discrimination in employment.
Reasonable adjustments
Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to their practices and premises to accommodate disabled people, where any arrangements or physical features of premises cause a substantial disadvantage. The sorts of adjustments available include:
- Giving or arranging training
- Providing more flexible working hours or arrangements
- Assigning the person to a different workplace
- Acquiring or modifying equipment
- Making adjustments to premises
A reallocation of duties may be appropriate as part of a reasonable adjustment. This does not mean that the disabled staff member has a lighter workload than his or her colleagues. There will be an equal distribution of work but some of the work tasks may be different. Examples of job restructuring could include:
- Redesigning the job, dividing tasks into essential and marginal functions
- Providing additional supervision
- Arranging additional breaks in work
Redeployment
If, even with adjustments and restructuring, retention in the same job is not practicable, redeployment to suitable alternative employment may be appropriate. This requires careful consideration and liaising with Human Resources and Disability Services.
Access to Work
Access to Work is a Jobcentre Plus initiative which provides advice and practical support to disabled people and their employers to overcome work related obstacles resulting from disability. We can advise you on this service.
Further advice and guidance
For advice and guidance on any of these issues, please contact Disability Services.
