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Disability Discrimination in the Workplace |
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 There are some general employment rights which apply to all workers with special provisions for disabled people within the Disability Discrimination Act. It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against disabled people and they must make reasonable adjustments to ensure a disabled person is not put at a disadvantage in the workplace.
There are several ways that an employer can make adjustments: from providing modified equipment to making instructions more accessible and making adjustments to buildings. Ensure your employer is aware of the Access to Work Programme run by the Job Centre Plus. They may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of adjustments.
The Access to Work programme can help with communication support, assistance with the costs of travel to work if unable to use public transport, pay for a support worker when practical help is needed or provide a specialist coach for people with learning disabilities. It provides information on finding a local Disability Employment Adviser who can speak to employees and employers regarding the most effective way to support each individual. The Job Centre Plus is then asked for formal approval and you will be informed of the level of support and grant available. Access to Work can provide up to 100 percent of the approved costs if you have been in a job for less than 6 weeks, are about to start a job or are unemployed.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against there are a number of courses of action. The first is to discuss the situation with your employer and try to work out a mutually agreeable resolution to the issue(s). If this does not improve matters you could then make a complaint to an employer’s internal grievance procedure. If you are still not satisfied then contact the Disability Rights Commission or ACAS. The DRC is a statutory body established by the Government, but which operates independently, to assist disabled people to secure civil rights. ACAS aims to improve organisations and the work place by developing better employment relations.
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