You only have to make these changes where you know or could reasonably be expected to know that a worker is a disabled person and is - or is likely to be - at a substantial disadvantage as a result. This means doing everything you can reasonably be expected to do to find out.
For example:
A worker's performance has recently got worse and they have started being late for work. Previously they had a very good record of punctuality and performance. Rather than just telling them they must improve, their employer talks to them in private. This allows the employer to check whether the change in performance could be for a disability-related reason. The worker says that they are experiencing a recurrence of depression and are not sleeping well which is making them late. Together, the employer and the worker agree to change the worker’s hours slightly while they are in this situation and that the worker can ask for help whenever they are finding it difficult to start or complete a task. These are reasonable adjustments.
This does not, however, mean asking intrusive questions or ones that violate someone’s dignity. Think about privacy and confidentiality in what you ask and how you ask.
Equality law says that you must make reasonable adjustments if you know that a worker is a disabled person, that they need adjustments and that those adjustments are reasonable.
You don’t have to put reasonable adjustments in place just in case one of your existing workers becomes a disabled person.
But you may want to be prepared:
As well as avoiding a possible Employment Tribunal claim, being open to making reasonable adjustments means you may be able to avoid losing the skills of a worker who has become a disabled person just by making a few changes.
More information
Equality Act good practice guidance downloads
Protected characteristic's definitions
View the current guidance and information for employers