Content provided by Leonard Cheshire, a charity supporting disabled people to live, learn and work as independently as they choose - whatever their ability.
On this page, you can find out about your rights at work with regards to disability, and some government schemes designed to make the workplace accessible for all.
You will also find information about Leonard Cheshire’s Change100 employment programme, and about working with them.
Your rights at work:
Disability employment rights
There is no legal obligation to disclose a disability unless it affects:
- Your performance or ability to meet the requirements of the job.
- Your ability to work safely and ensure the safety of co-workers.
Talking about your disability can create an open relationship with your employer. It also gives you more control over the support you get.
It is against the law for an employer to discriminate against you at work because of a disability. Some of the themes you get protected under include:
- Interview arrangements
- Application forms
- Job offers
- Terms of employment
- Discipline and grievances
Reasonable adjustments at work
Reasonable adjustments are adaptations that ensure you aren't disadvantaged in the workplace. The purpose of an adjustment is to enable you to perform to the best of your ability.
Some examples of reasonable adjustments include:
- Flexible hours or part-time working
- Making physical changes to the environment to make the workplace accessible
- Making specialist equipment available if the employee needs adaptations
Access to Work grants
If the help you need isn't covered by reasonable adjustments, you might be able to get help from an Access to Work grant. This can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition.
You'll need to have a paid job, be resident in England, Scotland or Wales and be 16 or over.
An Access to Work grant can help you:
- Start work
- Stay in work
- Move into self-employment or start a business
The grant is not for business start-up costs and how much you get depends on your circumstances. The money doesn’t have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.
Looking for an internship?
Change 100 is Leonard Cheshire’s flagship programme of paid summer work placements, professional development, and mentoring. It aims to remove barriers experienced by disabled people in the workplace, to allow them to achieve their potential. They partner with leading employers in the UK who believe disability isn’t a barrier to a brilliant career.
If you are successful, you will gain the experience, confidence, networks and skills needed to kick start your career.
- 100% of Change 100 interns said their experience has improved their confidence in the workplace.
- 100% said their Change 100 experience has strengthened their CV.
Who is Change 100 for?
Change 100 is for talented students and graduates with disabilities or long-term conditions — including physical, visual or hearing impairments, mental health conditions and learning disabilities and difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia.
You can find out more about the programme here.
Want to work with Leonard Cheshire?
Leonard Cheshire’s mission is to ensure disabled people have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose. They are always on the lookout for talented and committed individuals to join their team, and offer a wide range of careers across different departments and locations.. Training will be provided, and they have a collection of excellent employee benefits, including blue light card membership, refer a friend scheme and compensated travel.
Experience is desirable, but not essential. If you are looking for ways to make a positive impact, email Rachel at Rachel.McLelland@Leonardcheshire.org today!
Find out more and see vacancies with Leonard Cheshire
Please not that PVG membership is required for all Leonard Cheshire in Scotland staff. You can find out more about this here.
Some useful links: