Understanding Employment Rights for Neurodivergent Individuals and Those with Disabilities in the UK

At UNFILTERED, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workplace, regardless of neurodivergence or disability. In the UK, there are several important laws in place to ensure that neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities are treated fairly and given the support they need to succeed. Here’s a quick run down of some of the key laws that protect your rights at work:

1. The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is one of the most important laws for anyone with a disability, including neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. This law makes sure that you can’t be discriminated against at work because of your neurodivergence or disability. It also requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job. These adjustments could be things like flexible working hours, changes to the workspace, or providing special tools or equipment—whatever it takes to make sure you can work comfortably and confidently.

2. Reasonable Adjustments

As part of the Equality Act 2010, employers have to make reasonable adjustments to support you at work. These changes can vary depending on what you need. For example, you might need a quiet space to focus, different ways to communicate, or more time for certain tasks. Whatever adjustments help you do your best work, your employer is required to provide them, as long as they’re reasonable and don’t cause the employer too much hardship.

3. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

Though the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was replaced by the Equality Act 2010, it still played a huge role in securing the rights of disabled individuals. The DDA made it illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of your disability. It’s important because it laid the foundation for the protections we now have under the Equality Act, ensuring that neurodivergent individuals are treated fairly and with respect in the workplace.

"It's illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of your disability."

4. The Employment Rights Act 1996

The Employment Rights Act 1996 ensures that all employees, including neurodivergent individuals, have protection against unfair dismissal. This means that you can’t be fired just because of your neurodivergence or disability. If you need to take time off for your condition, you’re also protected from unfair treatment. This law ensures that you’re not at risk of losing your job just for taking care of your health, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your well-being.

5. Access to Work Scheme

The Access to Work scheme is an amazing support system that can help cover the costs of workplace adjustments. Whether you need special equipment, a support worker, or transport assistance, this scheme can help make your work life easier. For neurodivergent individuals, it can mean things like getting speech-to-text software or having a mentor to help with tasks. Access to Work helps ensure that you have everything you need to do your job and feel comfortable while doing it.

"These laws exist to make sure that neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities are given the support they need to succeed in the workplace."

6. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is there to make sure that your workplace is safe, not just physically but also in terms of your mental and emotional well-being. It requires employers to consider any potential risks to your health and make necessary changes to minimize those risks. For neurodivergent individuals, this might include making the workspace more sensory-friendly or ensuring that you have a quiet area to recharge. The aim is to create an environment where you can thrive without feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.

These laws exist to make sure that neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities are given the support they need to succeed in the workplace. Whether it’s through making adjustments, providing necessary tools, or ensuring fair treatment, these protections are there to help you feel supported, valued, and empowered in your job. We hope this guide helps you feel more confident in knowing your rights—and remember, you’re never alone in this journey.