Your rights in the workplace – access to work
If you’re on the look-out for a new role, look for an employer that’s part of the Disability Confident scheme.
New year, new job?
A new year is typically the time when many people think about making changes in different areas of their life. If you’re living with hearing loss or auditory processing disorder (APD) and struggle in your current role to get the support you need, you might be looking around for a new opportunity.
Hearing loss and deafness affects 5 million people of working age in the UK, or around 12 in every 100 employees. Many employers recognise that hearing loss or APD isn’t a barrier to excellence and have created a workplace culture where employees with hearing loss or APD can be open about their difficulties and are supported to thrive.
If you’re on the look-out for a new role, look for an employer that’s part of the Disability Confident scheme. This shows that a company is committed to providing an accessible workplace.
If you love your role but wish your employer was more supportive, remember that employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to make sure that employees who are disabled, including people with hearing loss or APD, are not substantially disadvantaged during the recruitment process or when doing their jobs.
These adjustments are often ‘no cost or low cost’, such as changing the working environment, offering quiet spaces for meetings, flexible working hours, listening breaks, recording of meetings for later review or providing assistive products such as remote microphone technology or speech-to-text software.
The government’s Access to Work scheme can help cover the cost of more expensive workplace adjustments, including communication support or adding technology, such as hearing loops in meeting rooms.
You, the employee, need to apply for an Access to Work grant. You’ll need to have a workplace assessment to ensure you receive the correct support for your needs, and the right budget is allocated. Access to Work isn’t available for voluntary work.
If you’re looking for a new job this new year, best of luck!
Here for you
It’s important to look after your hearing at any age. So if you’re a younger person and you’ve noticed your hearing isn’t what it was please contact us at The Hearing Clinic.
