Careers and
Disability

It is not necessary to disclose a disability to an employer unless it is directly asked about on a medical questionnaire. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits employers from asking candidates questions about their health that are not related to the job role.

The decision to be open about your impairment is a personal one and people often worry about discrimination, prejudice, or lack of confidentiality. When you do inform your employer, you are more protected by the Equality Act in case of a workplace dispute. Discrimination claims might be less successful if an employer can demonstrate they didn’t know you were disabled. Other advantages to telling a potential employer include:

• Employers are often eager to hire disabled workers
• It gives you the chance to talk positively about yourself
• Adjustments can be put in place earlier
• You might improve your working relationship
• By explaining your CV, you can overcome obstacles like gaps in your education or work history, which might otherwise work against you.

Information about your impairment is protected by the Equality Act and the General Data Protection Regulations. Unless you consent, this information cannot be shared with others.