UK Equality Act 2010: Disability Employment Rights

Overview

The Equality Act 2010 consolidated previous anti-discrimination legislation and provides comprehensive protection for disabled people in the workplace.

Definition of Disability

Under the Act, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a:

• Substantial effect on daily activities
• Long-term impact (12 months or more)

Employer Obligations

1. Duty to Make Reasonable Adjustments

Employers must take positive steps to remove barriers for disabled employees:

• Changing policies or practices
• Removing physical barriers
• Providing auxiliary aids

2. Types of Discrimination Prohibited

• Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favorably due to disability
• Indirect discrimination: Applying policies that disadvantage disabled people
• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to disability
• Victimization: Treating someone badly for making a complaint