What the law says

There are many laws designed to ensure that people are safe and treated fairly at work. This section gives a brief overview of some rights and responsibilities of employers.

Equality Act

According to the Equality Act (Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) a disabled person is someone who has ‘a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.

This includes people who have limited mobility (such as problems using public transport) as a result of arthritis. Someone who has difficulty lifting everyday objects or chronic pain would also be covered.

Employers must treat disabled job seekers and employees fairly to avoid disability discrimination, victimisation and harassment. It is unlawful for an employer to treat you less favourably than others for a reason connected to your disability (unless this can be justified). This applies to all employers except for the armed forces.

Employers also have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to give disabled people equal opportunities at work. If you are at a substantial disadvantage compared with someone who is not disabled, reasonable adjustments should be made. You cannot be asked to pay the costs of this yourself.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can help you work out whether you meet the legal definition of disabled, and provide legal protection if you feel that you have been treated unfairly by an employer. Your local Citizens Advice can offer information and advice.

Health and safety laws

Employers have responsibilities to protect employees from harm at work. Employees must also take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others around them.

Employers have to assess and address the workplace risks in everyday and emergency situations.This applies to all your places of work, for example, if you sometimes work from home.

For information on health and safety at work, contact the Health and Safety Executive or the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

There are specific safety regulations for people who habitually use display screens at work, such as computers. Employers must ensure that workstations are well designed for the task and the individual. Staff should also be trained to take frequent breaks to adjust posture and reduce strain.

Driving at work

Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you are fit to drive. The law states that you must advise the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately if a health condition or disability affects your ability to drive in any way. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland.