It's against the law for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability. In England, Scotland and Wales the Equality Act 2010 protects you, including when you apply for jobs (GOV.UK: disability rights). Northern Ireland has its own disability discrimination law - the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can advise.
What counts as a disability
The law uses its own definition, which may not match how you think of yourself - you don't need to call yourself disabled to ask for adjustments. You're disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. GOV.UK says long-term means 12 months or more, and there are special rules for recurring, fluctuating and progressive conditions. You're covered from the day you're diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis (GOV.UK: definition of disability).
What the law covers
- application forms
- interview arrangements
- aptitude or proficiency tests
- job offers
- terms of employment, including pay
- promotion, transfer and training
- dismissal, redundancy, discipline and grievances
Reasonable adjustments
Employers must make reasonable adjustments so you aren't substantially disadvantaged. GOV.UK's examples include changing the recruitment process so a candidate can be considered for a job, changing equipment, and allowing flexible hours or a phased return (GOV.UK: reasonable adjustments). How to ask for adjustments.
Free advice
- Acas - free advice on rights at work in England, Scotland and Wales
- Equality Advisory and Support Service - advice on the Equality Act in England, Scotland and Wales
- Labour Relations Agency - advice on rights at work in Northern Ireland
- Equality Commission for Northern Ireland - advice on discrimination in Northern Ireland
Questions people ask
Am I disabled under the Equality Act?
You are if you have a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term (12 months or more) negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities, and from diagnosis if you have HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis. GOV.UK explains the rules (GOV.UK).
Do reasonable adjustments apply when I'm applying for a job?
Yes, in England, Scotland and Wales. GOV.UK lists changing the recruitment process so a candidate can be considered for a job as an example of a reasonable adjustment.
Sources
- GOV.UK: disability rights
- Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
- GOV.UK: definition of disability
- GOV.UK: reasonable adjustments
- Acas
- Equality Advisory and Support Service
- Labour Relations Agency
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Browse jobsMore guides: Asking for adjustments when you apply · Do you have to tell an employer you're disabled? · Access to Work: support to get or stay in work · Disability Confident employers: what it means · Screening and accessibility on GetMeHired.
Disability and work