Developing a Disability at Work

Despite many of the preconceptions, not all disabilities begin at birth. Developing a disability throughout life is quite common. For instance, many people develop health problems that are classified as disabilities as they become older. This means that adults in long-term employment could develop a disability, leaving them unable to do their jobs in the same capacity. 

Under the Equality Act of 2010, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee due to a disability; this includes people who develop a disability while at work. No matter when your disability began, there are laws around what support you can and should get at work. Remembering how much support you are entitled to is an important part of adjusting to your new life, you don’t have to go through anything with support or help. 

In this blog, we want to provide some help and advice for those who develop a disability at work, including information on funding, adjustments and sick pay. We aim to give you a better picture of what is available to you now as a disabled employee.

5 Things to Consider if You Develop a Disability at Work 

We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 things to consider should you develop a disability during your professional life.

1. Reasonable Adjustments 

If you develop a health condition or disability which means you can’t keep doing your current job, your employer is obliged to make any reasonable adjustments necessary to ensure you can continue doing that job. Not doing so would be illegal discrimination in the form of failing to make necessary provisions.

There are many different types of reasonable adjustments. What works for you will depend on your own disability and circumstances. 

For example, if you develop a visual impairment, your employer must offer assistive technology to support you. This could include recording devices, a larger computer screen, braille documents, etc. 

If you develop chronic pain, your employer may assist you via a different seating set-up or by offering flexible and remote working opportunities. 

It’s always important to disclose your disability to your employer so that they can make these adjustments to help you. 

Find out more about How to make a disability disclosure at work →

2. Access to Work 

The adjustments you may need to adapt to your job after developing your disability may cause a financial burden. If your employer doesn’t cover this, you can get support from the Access to Work scheme. This scheme allows your employer to be compensated for whatever they spend on your reasonable adjustments. keep in mind, however, you’re the one who must make the application.

The scheme can help pay for assistive technology, travel costs, emotional and psychological support and much more. This also includes physical accessibility changes to your employer’s workplace. 

To find out more details you can read our guide to the Access to Work scheme → 

3. Sick Pay and Time Off 

After developing a disability, you may need some time off to recover from some of the most severe symptoms. Additionally, you may go through periods of being more unwell where you are unable to work. In this instance, you’re entitled to take Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks.  

It’s important to remember that you can take time off and Disability Leave may also be relevant for you. Don’t resist taking time off related to your disability because you think you might be punished or penalised. Indeed, this would also be illegal discrimination on behalf of your employer. 

Always take the time and rest you need so you don’t experience unnecessary stress and burnout.

4. Mental Health Support 

Developing a physical disability, mental disability, illness or condition, such as a significant life transformation, can leave a person struggling with their mental health. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the new challenges you face in life, which is associated with your job. 

It is key to speak to your employer about what mental health support they can provide on top of any adjustments they are making for your disability. A lot of workplaces can offer free counselling schemes via employee insurance. 

You can also talk to your GP about local organisations that can offer counselling in your area. Furthermore, you can use the Counselling Directory to find a private counsellor if this is within your current budget. 

Don’t be afraid to get all the support you need during such a significant transition in your life. 

If you need urgent mental health support, always check in with your GP and/or local emergency department. If you need to talk to someone right away, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 24/7/365.

5. Finding a New Job 

Some people may decide that they cannot cope with their current role anymore after developing a disability and would rather switch to a job that better suits their needs. Other people may find that their current employer no longer supports them in the way they need after developing a disability. 

If this is the case, it may be time to find a new job. There are lots of inclusive and accessible jobs out there with Disability Confident employers. In these jobs, you can get the support and respect you need as a disabled employee. You don’t need to spend any more time in a job where you are unhappy and treated inappropriately. 

Developing a disability in the middle of your career shouldn’t be a reason to stop you from working. Here at Careers with Disabilities, we believe in helping all disabled job seekers find the perfect opportunity for them. 

To find exciting employment opportunities with Disability Confident employers, you can take a look at our disability-friendly job board and directory of accessible company profiles. 

Check out our Disability Advice Hub to find advice tailored to individual disabilities, including colitis, chronic migraine, HIV, limb loss, Lyme disease, and many more.

Anything else you need? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.