Living with a disability does not mean you cannot work. Quite the opposite in fact, and since the Equality Act of 2010, you are protected as a disabled person. Discrimination is against the law, and employees must make arrangements for disabled staff members. This includes the installation of disabled ramps, steps, and bathrooms in the workplace. So, if you are seeking work as a disabled person in the UK, there are some things you need to know. Working with a disability UK is very common, far more so than in other countries around the world.
Working with A Disability UK : Your Employment Options
It is against the law for employers to discriminate. You will be protected in many areas when it comes to employment. As a disabled job seeker, you are entitled to help filling in application forms, and special arrangements for interviews must be made for you. You will receive help with job offers, and your terms of employment cannot be different from those of able-bodied. These include your salary. You cannot be discriminated against where training opportunities are place. You should also have the same rights when it comes to transfers and promotions. Any dismissal or redundancy cannot be made on the grounds of disability.
Adjustments in the Workplace
All employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff members. These can be physical adjustments to the build such as disabled access solutions, or can also mean providing you with working hours that suit you. If you need special equipment then this should also be supplied. This could include a specially adapted workstation that you can use with your wheelchair.
Next, let’s look at working with a disability UK recruitment procedures. Your employer can make limited enquiries about your disability or health. Any question that you are asked must be related to the job in question. For example, your capabilities to carry out a certain task in the job that you are applying for. These questions should allow the employee to find out what adjustments will need to be made for you if you take the job offer. This is also true if adjustments need to be made during the selection process of candidates. All questions asked should be for your benefit, not to discriminate against you. When your disability is not physical, you may be asked about it on your application form. This could include any mental illnesses you are suffering from.
Once employed, you cannot be made redundant, or forced to retire because you are, or became disabled. If you became disabled after taking a job, then necessary adjustments will need to be made in order for you to continue in your line of work.
When it comes to working with a disability in the UK, the options open to you are far more widespread than in many other countries. You are an equal, should be treated as such, and you should never allow anyone to put your down, or try and tell you that you can’t work because you are disabled.