Are employers required to make adjustments for disabled employees?

By David Coward

Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled job applicants and employees in certain circumstances. 

The duty arises where a disabled person is placed at a substantial disadvantage by an employer’s provision, criterion or practices, a physical feature of the employer’s premises, or an employer’s failure to provide an auxiliary aid.

An employer will not be obliged to make reasonable adjustments unless they know or ought reasonably to know that the person in question is disabled and likely to be placed at a substantial disadvantage because of their disability. 

Examples of reasonable adjustments include widening a doorway, modifying equipment and altering the person’s hours or duties.

For more advice on Employment Law telephone Sampson Coward on 01722 410664 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

David Coward