Diversity and equality in the workplace
In this section...
Equal rights (✔)
The law requires that employers treat applicants and employees equally regardless of disability, gender, age, race, religion or sexual orientation. An increasing number of employers are going beyond the requirements of the law and are actively promoting diversity in the workplace. Unfortunately however, discrimination does still exist and it is important that you are aware of your rights and what you should do if you feel you have been discriminated against.
The following resources provide information and advice about ensuring equal rights when job seeking and in employment:
- Prospects: Equal Opportunities - information on a variety of equality and diversity issues in the workplace
- AGCAS Diversity Matters: Disability (PDF: 168KB)
- EmployAbility - opportunities, advice and support for d/Deaf or disabled students and graduates.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission - includes a helpline for information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues
- TARGETjobs - information on equal opportunities and diversity within the workplace.
- The Diversity Group - advice and support for all people overcoming inequality or discrimination
- Business Disability Forum - includes a list of positive employers.
- Equality Britain - information on legislation and types of discrimination. Includes a job search section
- Access to Work - government scheme to promote equality by giving advice and support with extra costs for disabled employees.
- Disability Rights UK - offer support to d/Deaf or disabled students studying in England.
- What Happens Next? - A report on the first destinations of 2010 disabled graduates published by AGCAS in 2012
Reference materials available in the Careers Service
Sharing information about a disability
Should I share information about a disability with my employer?
Deciding whether to share a protected characteristic such as a disability to an employer (often described as 'disclosure' in employment terms) is your personal choice. However, if you are asked directly during the application process whether you have a disability or health condition, and give false information, then you may be liable for dismissal should your employer find out later on. You are also obliged by law to share information about a disability if it has any health and safety implications for yourself or your colleagues.
There are several benefits of sharing information about a disability with an employer:
- You are covered by the Equality Act 2010
- The employer must make any reasonable adjustments you request at interview or in the workplace
- You can control how the employer finds out about your disability and their impression of it
- You may be eligible for help from the Access to Work scheme
If you would like to discuss whether you should share information about a disability with a prospective employer then you can speak to a Careers Adviser.
When can I share information about a disability?
Often the best time to share this information is in a covering letter or application form, as this gives you an opportunity to explain any potential implications of your disability. It may also aid your application to highlight specialist skills and qualities you have acquired and developed as a result of your disability.
Sharing information about a disability at interview can sometimes take the employer by surprise and means that they are unlikely to be able to make reasonable adjustments for you at interview.
Further information
The following resources discuss sharing information about a disability with an employer, and offer advice on on when and how to do this, if you so choose:
- UseMyAbility - includes a useful search function where you can find out more about 'reasonable adjustments' and also the strengths that may be associated with a particular disability.
- gov.uk - information about recruitment questions in relation to health and disability
- Toolkits for Success - includes a discussion on disclosing a disability (PDF: 91KB)
- Prospects: CVs and covering letters- includes an example of a covering letter showing disclosure of a disability (PDF: 29KB)
Need more help?
For further information or support call into the Careers Service – no appointment necessary!
For information on facilities and resources within the Careers Service, please read our Accessibility Statement which is located on every page of the website.
If you are looking for support with equality, diversity or accessibility issues within Newcastle University, please visit Student Wellbeing or contact Newcastle University Students' Union.