If a worker chooses not to disclose their disability
Some workers may choose not to tell you about their disability. This could be for many reasons, including:
- long NHS waiting times for assessments
- unaffordable private assessments
- fear of stigma or discrimination
- lack of awareness that their condition qualifies as a disability
- personal choice or cultural factors
Get advice on talking about disability at work on the ACAS website.
You must make adjustments if you could reasonably be expected to know a worker is disabled – even if they haven’t said so directly.
Get advice on considering if someone is disabled on the ACAS website.
Diagnosis is not required for support
Under the Equality Act 2010, someone is considered disabled if their physical or mental condition has a serious, long-lasting effect on their ability to do everyday tasks. This applies whether they have a formal diagnosis or not.
A person does not need a medical diagnosis to show they have a disability. What matters is how it affects them – not what caused it.
Get advice on preparing to make reasonable adjustments on the EHRC website.