What support can I get at work

Get support for your disabilities at work, and learn about your legal rights.

Young man using tool in a workshop

If you’re disabled and working, or about to start a job, you may need support at work: the law calls this “reasonable adjustments”.

Reasonable adjustments can be made in three main ways:

  • changing the way things are done
  • changing a physical feature (like a part of a building)
  • providing extra things to support you
young woman in a wheelchair using a laptop

You have the legal right to reasonable adjustments.

Your employer can say no if they don’t believe it is reasonable, though. For example, if it is very expensive, or would be very difficult for them to provide.

You can find out more about reasonable adjustments here: Reasonable adjustments at work – Scope

grantsAccess to Work scheme

If you already have a job or job offer, you may be able to get a grant from the government’s Access to Work scheme. This is money to pay for things you need to help you do your job, because of your disabilities. You don’t have to pay this money back.

This grant can help with practical things like BSL interpreters or lip readers, adaptations to your vehicle, or taxi rides to work. It can pay for reasonable adjustments at work, or assessments to see what support you need.

Your legal rights

You have the right to be treated fairly. If you are treated worse because of your disabilities or additional needs, that is discrimination, and it is illegal. You have other rights too.

Your rights at work

You can read more about unfair discrimination here:

Easy Read: How to make sure everyone is treated fairly at work

You also have legal rights as an employee that describe things like:

  • how often you must get rest breaks
  • how much paid holiday and sick leave you must get
  • what your employer must do if they want to end your employment

ACAS provides lots of information about your rights at work. If you are under 18 you have some extra rights too.

If you have questions about your rights at work, you can call the ACAS helpline on 0300 123 1100.

Get advice and support

Amazing Futures Careers can help you:

  • identify what “reasonable adjustments” you might need
  • prepare to talk to your employer about your additional needs

This service is for young people who live in Brighton & Hove.

ACAS can answer questions about your rights at work, and help you resolve disagreements with your employer.

Resources