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Disability and Employment

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Disability and Employment

If you have a diagnosed disability, you may be thinking about sharing this with an employer when you move through their recruitment process. This page offers advice and guidance to support you.

The information on this page looks specifically at disability and employment. You can also find further information and resources related to your studies on your University’s Disability Services page. 

Employers are looking for candidates with the skills and experiences that best match the job description criteria. The recruitment process will assess your suitability based on your skills, knowledge and experience. You have the right to ask for changes to the recruitment process as it should not put you at a disadvantage. Any changes to the recruitment process are known as “reasonable adjustments”.  Employers must provide reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Examples of reasonable adjustments include more time to complete assessments or asking for interview questions in advance.

Sharing information about a disability

What does ‘sharing’ or ‘disclosing’ my disability mean?

Employers will ask if you need adjustments when you complete the application form and when you are invited to interview.  You do not have to share your condition when you are applying for a job.  You are the expert on your specific requirements.  During the application process you may wish to share your disability with the person you are in contact with who is making the interview arrangements so that any specific adjustments can be clearly communicated to those involved in the interview. 

Should I tell an employer about my disability?

You might be wondering if and how to share your disability with a potential employer. This is likely to vary on a case by case basis. 

Employers are committed to run inclusive recruitment practices, however they cannot make reasonable adjustments if they are unaware of your individual needs.

A key consideration is what benefit there would be to you in sharing details of your disability with an employer?  Is there specific support or adjustments you need in the application process or at interview? The following questions may help you to consider this: 

  • What causes you difficulties?
  • What would make your life easier?
  • How do you work best?
  • How do you manage your environment?
  • What works best for you when communicating with people?

How do I tell a potential employer about my disability? 

As part of the initial application the cover letter is the first opportunity to talk about a disability.  Based on your disability you can request reasonable adjustments, which typically form a paragraph towards the end of the letter. You can outline:

  • What your disability is
  • The implication of your disability for the recruitment process
  • As a consequence, what you require

Further advice about disclosing a disability in a cover letter is provided in this PROSPECTS Article. There may be other reasons to talk about your disability such as how your disability motivates you, or how it has led you to develop your skills in specific areas. You can read more about this in this AGCAS Disability Task Group Blog. 

You could include similar information in an email response to the individual at the company making the interview arrangements once you have been put in contact with them. 

Individual Support

Starting a job

When starting a job you may feel you need or would benefit from reasonable adjustments within the workplace or how you complete specific tasks. The starting point could be an informal discussion with your new line manager, or a formal plan agreed with your employer’s Human Resources Team. In the first instance, your direct manager should be able to signpost you to the appropriate individual or you could contact the Human Resources team directly

 

More support from WRIPA

As everyone is different and we all face diverse challenges, a one to one careers support approach ensures tailored guidance and advice for students. WRIPA Universities have dedicated Student and Business Relationship Managers who can meet with students and provide this individual support.