Disability act/employment
Discussion
Hi,
A family member has had a number of serious medical problems in the last few years, and talking to a number of professionals, is definitely part of the disability act.
It was never an issue in the past, so thought nothing of it, just got on with life.
Now he's starting to look at what he can do with regards to employment. He's had a job that's very stable, they've been aware of his health, seen the person he was, to who he is now, so they're pretty sympathy, and some what worked around his difficulties.
He REALLY wants to move to another job, but doesn't know if he should go through whatever is necessary to be (officially) part of the disability act (if such a thing exists?), would that mean he'd officially be considered disabled?
and if it would actually help him if he was to look for another job/company.
He is what I'd call a little 'slow' (mentally) when it comes to taking instructions/learning things, but once he's grasps things, is as good as anyone, but that wouldn't really be enough at a new job, if he's taking twice as long as everyone else to pick up things.
What's you're thoughts, what should he do?
A family member has had a number of serious medical problems in the last few years, and talking to a number of professionals, is definitely part of the disability act.
It was never an issue in the past, so thought nothing of it, just got on with life.
Now he's starting to look at what he can do with regards to employment. He's had a job that's very stable, they've been aware of his health, seen the person he was, to who he is now, so they're pretty sympathy, and some what worked around his difficulties.
He REALLY wants to move to another job, but doesn't know if he should go through whatever is necessary to be (officially) part of the disability act (if such a thing exists?), would that mean he'd officially be considered disabled?
and if it would actually help him if he was to look for another job/company.
He is what I'd call a little 'slow' (mentally) when it comes to taking instructions/learning things, but once he's grasps things, is as good as anyone, but that wouldn't really be enough at a new job, if he's taking twice as long as everyone else to pick up things.
What's you're thoughts, what should he do?
The Equality Act now covers disability discrimination. There is no registration or application process which is what you seem to be implying. If covered and you can make a successful claim the law affords you protection from indirect or direct acts of discrimination because of the disability.
You claim when you have a loss or have been 'wronged'. From what you wrote the current employer hasn't done anything wrong. Therefore, there is nothing to claim for.
It is quite possible though your friend will experience untold discrimination in the next phase of job hunting. Some may be obvious most probably less so.
It is quite possible though your friend will experience untold discrimination in the next phase of job hunting. Some may be obvious most probably less so.
Lannister902 said:
Hi, thanks for your reply. So does he need to make a claim of some sort for him to be covered under equal opportunity act for disability? (if so, to whom?), and would it be in his interest to do so before moving?
As edc says the Equality Act is there to protect anyone who is wronged in such a way that it directly relates to their protected characteristic; for example if the current employer were to fire him solely because of his health. What I think you’re looking for is an organization who may specialize in helping people with disabilities to find work. I’m sure such orgs exist, but I couldn’t name any off the top of my head for you.
First of all, there are two main aspects to the Equality Act: discrimination and reasonable adjustments. The latter hasn't really been mentioned above. Put simply employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.
Typically a large employer may request a meeting with occupational health to identify adjustments required. It can be helpful if a condition is medically diagnosed so it's worth your friend speaking to their GP in first instance if they don't currently have a formal diagnosis.
Employers are responsible for funding reasonable adjustments though Access to Work grants can be obtained (employee applies).
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Various organisations offer help and advice for finding jobs. The government operate Remploy as high street advisors (not to be confused with the former manufacturing side of the service) and the larger charities for specific conditions can often advise jobseekers too - these can be found through google.
https://www.remploy.co.uk/
A lot of blue chip companies have signed up to disability support schemes e.g. Business Disability Forum. Schemes like these list member employers on their websites so can be a good place to find supportive companies to apply to.
https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/
Typically a large employer may request a meeting with occupational health to identify adjustments required. It can be helpful if a condition is medically diagnosed so it's worth your friend speaking to their GP in first instance if they don't currently have a formal diagnosis.
Employers are responsible for funding reasonable adjustments though Access to Work grants can be obtained (employee applies).
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Various organisations offer help and advice for finding jobs. The government operate Remploy as high street advisors (not to be confused with the former manufacturing side of the service) and the larger charities for specific conditions can often advise jobseekers too - these can be found through google.
https://www.remploy.co.uk/
A lot of blue chip companies have signed up to disability support schemes e.g. Business Disability Forum. Schemes like these list member employers on their websites so can be a good place to find supportive companies to apply to.
https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/
Lannister902 said:
He REALLY wants to move to another job, but doesn't know if he should go through whatever is necessary to be (officially) part of the disability act (if such a thing exists?), would that mean he'd officially be considered disabled?
There is no "registration" as such to be part of the Equality Act 2010 (which is what I assume you are referring to). It would only apply in detail in the event that it was necessary to make a claim to a Tribunal for enforcement. Most companies will ask if you have any disabilities and you can set out your requirements etc. They may wish for you to speak to Occupational Health etc.There's no need to register to be protected by the Equality Act, it applies automatically. Whether you have a condition that applies is a matter of fact. Employers have a duty to comply.
If you're looking for a job, different employers will have differing attitudes to disability. I hate to generalise, however larger employers are more likely to be open-minded and have the capacity to accommodate disabled employees than small (esp. v small) employers. There will of course be numerous exceptions.
If you're looking for a job, different employers will have differing attitudes to disability. I hate to generalise, however larger employers are more likely to be open-minded and have the capacity to accommodate disabled employees than small (esp. v small) employers. There will of course be numerous exceptions.
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