Adjustments at work for an employee with health concerns

Long-term sickness…

Staff sickness: it happens to everyone, in any job, and is unfortunate for both the employee and the employer. Hopefully, the staff member recovers quickly and is able to return to work without too much stress caused for either party or their workplace.

But what happens if the sickness or ill-health is more long-term and their absence from the workplace is more substantial than just a few days? What can the employer do about this and more importantly, what should they be doing?

When does the duty of reasonable adjustments apply?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission provides that there is a duty to make reasonable adjustments to those who are considered disabled or long-term sick. This duty encompasses all aspects and stages of employment.

The Equality Act 2010 provides protection to employees, contractors or job applicants with a disability.

This protection is triggered, and reasonable adjustments should be made when: 

• the employer is aware of or should be aware that the individual is disabled 
• a disabled employee, contractor or job applicant asks for adjustments or is struggling with a part of their job because of their disability
• they are absent or have been absent due to a disability

What constitutes a reasonable adjustment?

Reasonable adjustments do not necessarily mean making fundamental changes to the nature of the job. There are some things that may not be able to be adapted, but the conversations should be had with the employee to seek to establish what adjustments are likely to assist them. 

Reasonable adjustments can be better described as ‘changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability,’.

Adjustments should be specific to each person, which is why talking through with the individual and obtaining medical advice is important.

Other considerations must be whether the adjustments are practical, affordable and whether they may cause any detriment to other people or workers.

If you would like any advice and support on regard to reasonable adjustments, please do not hesitate to contact the RELA Team on 01983 897003