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 – offers useful information on a variety of equality and diversity issues in the workplace
- AGCAS Diversity Matters: Disability (PDF: 168KB)
- EmployAbility - opportunities, advice and support for disabled and dyslexic 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
- Employers Forum on Disability – includes an extensive list of positive employers on the the members page.
- 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 Alliance - offer support to d/Deaf and disabled students, including a helpline service.
- What Happens Next? - A report on the first destinations of 2010 disabled graduates published by AGCAS in 2012
Take-away resources available in the Careers Service
Reference materials available in the Careers Service
Disclosing a disability
Should I disclose?
Deciding whether to disclose a disability to an employer is your personal choice. However, if you are asked directly during the application process whether you have a disability and fail to disclose you may be liable for dismissal should your employer find out later on. You are also obliged by law to disclose your disability if it has any health and safety implications for yourself or your colleagues.
There are several benefits of disclosing a disability to 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 are concerned about whether you should disclose a disability then you can come in and speak to a Careers Adviser.
When can I disclose?
Often the best time to disclose 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.
Disclosing 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 provide more information on disclosing a disability as well as sections on when and how to disclose:
- UseMyAbility: Disclosing a Disability
- Directgov - recruitment questions about 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.