Nearly half of workers (43 per cent) with a disability or disabilities are concealing their condition from work colleagues for fear of harming their job or promotion prospects.
The research shows that despite one in five (20 per cent) of people in the UK having a hidden or visible disability, 41 per cent of workers with disabilities said they felt like an outsider and 40 per cent said their colleagues valued them less once they knew of a disability.
Challenges facing disabled workers include:
- Being negatively judged by colleagues (34 per cent)
- Lack of quiet areas in the office (33 per cent)
- General accessibility, e.g., stairs, or space requirements (32 per cent)
- Lack of support (31 per cent)
- Bathroom access/availability (30 per cent)
- Accessing the office building (29 per cent)
Samantha Randall, an Associate Solicitor with Palmers, who specialises in employment law, said: “The law is very clear on this matter as The Equality Act 2010 states that it is against the law for employers to discriminate because of disability.
“The legislation also puts the onus on an employer to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to avoid workers being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace.
“This could involve adjusting working hours or providing a special piece of equipment for the job.”
The research also shows that when it comes to accessibility in the workplace, almost 70 per cent feel their workplace isn’t providing the tech that enables greater accessibility to people with disabilities.
Samantha added: “If you feel that you are not able to obtain accessibility in the workplace or you are being discriminated in the workplace, in the first instance, it is important to raise the issue with your employer, as it may be that they are unaware that you are struggling and require additional support.
“However, if you have raised concerns and your disability has not been properly accommodated, you should seek legal advice.”
For help and advice on all aspects of employment law, including disability discrimination matters, please get in touch with us.