Reasonable adjustments at work

sceneparade

I have applied for a job and successfully completed the application process. I begin my new job in a transportation company in two weeks time. However, I have an ASD diagnosis and would like to ask my new employer for adjustments to help me succeed at work. The following are adjustments I would like to request from my employer: 

First, I would like to request late shifts. My employer has early, middle and late shifts, which everybody has to do depending on the scheduled rota. However, I like routines and would like to only do lates. 

Secondly, I would like a parking space within the grounds of the employer. There are parking spaces but it is a first come first served basis. I would like to have a space kept for me for the days and times I work. This would make me feel less stressed about finding a space to park if none are available on site. 

Thirdly, I am particular with the type of clothing I wear. For example, I like to wear particular shoes. 

Fourthly, I would like to have a set duty. 

Finally, I like to be given instructions that are made clear and allowed to get on with it without interruptions. I work best when given a job and allowed to follow it alone. 

I am able to obtain written evidence from my doctor and specialists to support my application for reasonable adjustments under the Equalities Act 2010. 

Are the above adjustments reasonable adjustments I can request with my new employer? The above doesn't cost the employer any money. 

janer1967

Hi did you discuss any of this during your application 

All you can do is request them and they have to consider them and give reason if they cant accommodate 

They are reasonable but that depends on how reasonable they are to your new employer . They may want you to try and see how things go before considering 

sceneparade

Hi, it was on my application for a medical I had to take, The doctor carrying out the medical didn't seem to bothered by the diagnosis. He just made sure I was fine physically. 

janer1967

All you can do is request them and see 

sceneparade

Why would they not be essential? So people with disabilities have no rights under the equalities act?

My disability requires set routines. 

According to the Equalities act 2010, flexible working hours is considered 'reasonable.' Plus I would have my doctor write to them about adjustments they need to make - as she is the expert and would know.

It gives advice here on what is reasonable and includes flexible hours

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/reasonable-adjustments-at-work/

janer1967

You are asking for a lot more than just flexible hours and it is fixed shifts you are wanting which may not fit in with their pattern 

Who will do the other shifts you cant do 

Just playing devils advocate here and what you might come up against 

sceneparade

Apparently, there are about 300 other employees, so shouldn't be a problem for them. 

janer1967

Good luck hope it works out and let us know the outcome

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @sceneparade, just wanted to check in to see how things were going.

I hope your employer was understanding.

GrandmaRosy

I think your request is reasonable.  If they do not you have re-dress under the act but unfortunately one man's reasonableness is not another's. However, it is great to highlight the issues and make sure these are shouted always.  I hope you succeed you do deserve this.

Deresha

An an employer, I do accommodate for set shifts on request. It’s not difficult to do. I have a lady with MH problems. Her medication made it difficult to get up in the morning.  It was in my interest not to put her on early shifts.

Clothing and tasks, however, would be difficult or actually impossible to implement and would be case specific. I do have a lady who’s eyesight is dodgy to say the least - there is no reasonable adjustment in place - but I don’t ask her to do the stock taking.

without interruption would possibly go against business objectives and protocols. 

these things being sprung on me in the first week of employment however, wouldn’t impress me I have to say. I much prefer upfront conversations at interview.

sceneparade

@Deresha

I included it in my application, but it was never brought up in the medical assessment. The doctor didn't seem too bothered by it - he was more concerned with blood pressure, epilepsy, heart problems etc. 

I have my induction on the 21st October, and probably start the following Monday. Should I mention it during the induction, before I begin the following Monday?

[Deleted User]

I would've done, if they still say no then by rights you could, and should IMO, take them to the cleaners under the 2010 Equality Act for direct discriminaition.

ASD is a disability under the Act, the problem is that outside of people who need to know, such as medical professionals, almost nobody knows about it and anyone that does can find it a little scary, in my experiencee it can be an instant "Red Flag" to a potential employer and they'll bin your form on principle! Illegal but what can you do about it?

Tori_Scope

How have you found it so far @sceneparade? 

sceneparade

I started work last week and handed them a letter from my doctor backing up my disability and they agreed to the reasonable adjustment requests. However, the manager ordered me to wear shoes and not trainers, despite having tactile sensory issues regarding needing to wear trainers. 

poppy123456

Are shoes needed for safety reasons?

sceneparade

They are dangerous, in my and others opinion. 

However, other employees that have disabilities have been allowed alternative footwear to shoes.