Your Rights at Work: What People with a Learning Disability or Autism Need to Know

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at work. If you have a learning disability or autism, it is important to know your rights so you get the help you need to do your job well and enjoy your work life.

You Have Legal Protection

The Equality Act 2010 is a law that protects disabled people at work, including people with learning disabilities. This means employers must treat people fairly and not discriminate against anyone because of their disability. You should be able to get a job and keep it without being treated badly or unfairly.

Reasonable Adjustments

Employers must make “reasonable adjustments” so disabled people can do their job as well as anyone else. This might mean:

• Being allowed extra time to do tasks

• Getting information in easy-read, pictures, or a format you find accessible

• Changing your work hours or letting you take breaks when needed

• Having special equipment, like computer software, or a support worker to help

These changes are not “special treatment”—they help you work comfortably and safely.

Access to Support

If you need extra help at work, there are schemes like Access to Work. They might help pay for equipment, support workers, or travel costs so you can do your job

You also have the right to ask for flexible working and paid disability leave for things like training or assessments.

Speaking Up

If you feel you haven’t been treated fairly, you can:

• Talk to your employer or manager

• Ask a union or advocacy group for help

• Make a complaint or speak to an employment tribunal if things don’t get sorted#

  
  

Summary

• Having a learning disability does not mean you cannot work well

• You do not have to tell everyone at work about your disability, only if you want adjustments

• Help at work is your right, not something you need to “earn” or feel bad about

  
  

Every person with a learning disability has strengths to bring to the workplace. Knowing your rights helps you ask for what you need, and makes sure you are treated with respect.