Your rights at work
Choosing where to work can feel hard. You might not know how much to share about your needs.
The law says employers must support you. Under the Equality Act, they must make reasonable adjustments so you are not at a disadvantage at work, in training or in interviews.
Finding a job
You can:
- look for employers in the Disability Confident scheme
- find inclusive employers through the Business Disability Forum
- use the GOV.UK Find a job service
You can also get help from:
- job coaches
- tutors or careers services (if you are in education)
- Community Employment Hubs (for people aged 16 and over)
They can help with:
- job searches
- application forms
- CVs and cover letters
Applying for a job
Some jobs ask you to:
- fill in an application form
- send a CV
- write a cover letter
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview.
This is your chance to:
- talk about your skills
- share your experience
- show why you are right for the job
It can help to write down notes or practise answers before your interview.
Checking if a job is right for you
Before you accept a job, think about:
- where the job is and how you will get there
- if you need to travel for the role
- the working hours
- the people you will work with
If you can, try to meet team members at the interview.
You can also:
- ask questions
- check the employer’s disability policy
- ask about support at work
Larger employers may have staff who support health and wellbeing at work.
Sharing your needs
It can help to tell the employer about your needs early. This could be before the interview or before you start work.
This helps them put support in place.
You can also choose to share this later if you prefer.
You may be able to get extra help through Access to Work. Not all employers know about this. This can support things like:
- equipment
- travel
- support workers
Looking after yourself
Job hunting can feel stressful.
If you need support, you can:
- read tips about looking after your mental health written by young people
- contact Mindline (24/7 helpline)
- use Kooth online support
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