Looking for work if you're disabled
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1. Looking for a job
When you鈥檙e looking for work, look on adverts and application forms for the 鈥榙isability confident鈥� symbol.
This symbol means:
- the employer is committed to employing disabled people.
- you鈥檒l be guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job
Find out about jobs in your area at .
Getting help
Your local Jobcentre can help you find a job or gain new skills and tell you about disability-friendly employers in your area.
They can also refer you to a specialist work psychologist, if appropriate, or carry out an 鈥榚mployment assessment鈥�, asking you about:
- your skills and experience
- what kind of roles you鈥檙e interested in
Ask the work coach at .
Programmes and grants
Your work coach can tell you about programmes and grants to help you back into work. These include:
- Access to Work - money towards a support worker or for the cost of equipment or travelling to work
- Work and Health Programme - to help you find and keep a job
2. Applying for a job
You may be able to apply for an Access to Work grant if you need communication support at your job interview (for example, a British Sign Language interpreter or a lipspeaker).
Questions about your health or disability
An employer is not normally allowed to ask you questions about your health or disability before they offer you a job.
They can only ask you about this for very limited reasons, for example to:
- make 鈥榬easonable adjustments鈥� - for example if you need a large print version of a test
- decide if you can do something that is an essential part of the job
If you鈥檙e treated unfairly when you apply for a job
Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service if you think you鈥檝e been treated unfairly.
You may also be able to take a complaint to an employment tribunal - you have to do this within 3 months of the discrimination happening.