Disability is defined under the Equality Act as someone who has
“a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.”
This is very much a legal definition, and ultimately it will be up to an employment tribunal to decide whether a worker or employee is disabled within the meaning of the Act.
The definition can be broken down into sections:
There are also certain conditions which are automatically deemed to meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed. These conditions are HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.
If you have a disability your employer must not discriminate against you because you have the disability.
Your employer may also need to consider making reasonable adjustments either to your working conditions or the workplace in order to enable you to perform your role. Reasonable adjustments could include allowing you to have a phased return to work after a period of absence, or maybe making adaptions to your workstation.
If you feel your employer is placing you at a detriment or treating you differently due to a disability, our specialist employment team will be able to advise you of your rights. Claims for discrimination must be instigated within 3 months less one day of the acts or act complained of.
Birmingham – 0121 616 4450
Latham House | 33-34 Paradise Street |
Birmingham B1 2AJ
Gloucester – 01452 612345
Rowan House | Barnett Way | Barnwood |
Gloucester GL4 3RT
Bristol – 01454 619619
250 Aztec West | Park Avenue | Almondsbury |
Bristol BS32 4TR
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London W1G 9JR
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The Office | Coombe Farm | Beaford |
Winkleigh | Devon EX19 8LJ
Davies and Partners Solicitors is the trading name of Davies and Partners Solicitors Limited (Company Registration No: 10385547) registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Rowan House, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 3RT. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and its Solicitors Regulation Authority number is 634759. A list of Directors is available for inspection at each of our offices.