Health, disability & mental health support

Your rights

• Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people and people with long-term conditions are not disadvantaged.
• You never have to disclose a disability — but sharing it can unlock support like extra interview time or flexible hours.
• Look for the Disability Confident badge on job adverts — these employers have promised to interview you if you meet the essential criteria.

Asking for adjustments

• You can ask at any stage — application, interview, or after starting the job.
• Keep it simple: what you need, why it helps you, and how it helps the employer too.
• Common adjustments: extra time in interviews, a quiet space, remote work, adjusted hours, accessible buildings, written instructions.

Looking after your mental health while job hunting

• Keep a routine — start and finish at set times, and rest in between.
• Set small daily goals — one good application beats five rushed ones.
• Take a proper break if it feels heavy — a day off recharges your search.
• Talk to someone you trust about how it's going — you don't have to do this alone.

Support with working

• Access to Work is a government scheme that can help pay for support at work — equipment, travel, a job coach.
• Many benefits can be claimed while working part-time or during a trial period — ask your work coach.
• Phased returns and trial periods can make starting work feel safer.

Where to get free help