Access to Work
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🗣️ Telling an employer about a disability
Your choice, your rights and how to do it
✔ Checked October 2026⚖️ It's your choice
You don't have to tell an employer about a disability or health condition. Some people choose to, because it means they can get the right support. The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people from discrimination at work.
👍 Reasons people choose to tell
- To get adjustments at interview or at work
- To get help from Access to Work
- So a manager understands how they work best
- Some employers, such as Disability Confident employers, welcome disabled applicants
🕒 When you could tell them
- On the application form, if there is a question or box for it
- When you're invited to interview, so you can ask for adjustments
- After you're offered the job
- At any time once you've started work
💬 How to say it
Focus on what helps you work well. For example: "I have autism. I work best with clear instructions and a regular routine. A written list of tasks really helps me."
🔒 Questions about health
In most cases, an employer shouldn't ask about your health before offering you a job, except to arrange interview adjustments or for a few specific reasons.