Disability and employment
Explore the UK legal position on disability discrimination and the importance of having a disability-inclusive organisation
Explore the UK legal position on disability discrimination and the importance of having a disability-inclusive organisation
For UK employment purposes, disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. It covers physical and mental conditions. Disability discrimination law is now part of the Equality Act 2010.
This factsheet looks at the different types of disability discrimination. It suggests good employment practices to ensure everyone has fair access and opportunity to progress in work including the legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments to help avoid substantial disadvantages for those with physical or mental health conditions at work. It also encourages employers to challenge stereotypical thinking and provides recommendations for positive progress.
Explore our viewpoint on disability equality at work in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.
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Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.
Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to religion and belief discrimination in the workplace, including philosophical beliefs
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to sex discrimination in the workplace, including pregnancy and maternity discrimination
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on religion and belief, including actions for Government and recommendations for employers
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on gender equality at work, including recommendations for employers and actions for the UK Government
An overview of the purpose and benefits of HR policies and how to implement and communicate them effectively throughout an organisation
Explores the benefits of workforce planning, the activities involved and the stages of the workforce planning process
Learn the fundamentals of disciplinary and grievance policies and practices in the workplace
Understand what employee relations means as a concept and what it means to employers
The CIPD is a Disability Confident Leader. We work with the DWP and lead the way in changing attitudes towards disability, and to encourage all employers to provide opportunities to ensure that people with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions are able to fulfil their potential at work. We regularly review our own people practices and approaches to ensure that our workplace is as open, diverse, accessible and inclusive as possible.