If you’re a disabled worker facing problems at work, whether that’s a request for adjustments being ignored, unfair treatment, a disciplinary process, or dismissal, this section explains the law and what you can do about it.
The Equality Act 2010 gives disabled workers in Great Britain specific, enforceable rights. Those rights exist whether your employer knows about them or not, and whether your employer takes them seriously or not.
This section walks you through the key things you need to know, from understanding whether the law covers your situation through to making a claim at the Employment Tribunal.
The basics
What counts as a disability under the law? The legal definition is broader than most people expect. You don’t need a diagnosis, a DLA or PIP award, or a label from your employer. Find out whether your condition or impairment qualifies, and why it often does when people assume it doesn’t.
What rights do disabled workers have? The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. It also places a specific duty on your employer to make reasonable adjustments. This page explains what each of those protections means in practice.
When things go wrong at work
How to raise a grievance A formal grievance is often the right first step when your employer has failed you. This page explains when to use one, what to include, and how to give yourself the best chance of a useful outcome – even when you know the grievance is unlikely to be upheld.
Keeping records Good records can be the difference between a strong case and one that falls apart. This page covers what to document, how to store it, and what to do if you’ve already lost time.
Taking your case further
ACAS Early Conciliation Before you can make a claim to the Employment Tribunal, you must first contact ACAS. This page explains what Early Conciliation is, how it works, and what happens if it doesn’t resolve things.
Making a Tribunal claim: writing your pleadings Your ET1 form is your statement of case. This page explains what you need to include, how to set out your claim clearly, and the common mistakes that weaken cases before they begin.
Case management: hearings and orders Most Tribunal claims go through one or more case management hearings before the final hearing. This page explains what to expect, how to respond to orders, and how to keep your case on track.
Learn more about case law on disability – There is a truly excellent website on case law on disability protections under the Equality Act at Stammering Law .
This section provides legal information, not legal advice. It reflects the law in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you are in Northern Ireland, the relevant legislation is different and you should seek advice from a Northern Ireland-based organisation. For advice on your specific situation, contact us or speak to a qualified employment lawyer.