What is Reasonable Adjustments?

Full Definition

Reasonable adjustments are changes that employers, service providers and other organisations are legally required to make under the Equality Act 2010 so that disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with non-disabled people. The duty applies in three situations: where a provision, criterion or practice puts a disabled person at a disadvantage; where a physical feature does so; and where an auxiliary aid is needed. Examples include adjusting working hours, providing assistive software, modifying premises, or allowing remote working. What counts as 'reasonable' depends on factors such as cost, practicality, the resources of the organisation and how effective the change would be. The duty is anticipatory for service providers, meaning they should plan ahead rather than wait for an individual request. Failing to make a reasonable adjustment can amount to unlawful discrimination, giving rise to an employment tribunal claim. The adjustment must be provided at no cost to the disabled person.