Arthritis is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This means you have legal protections at work.
Quick answer: If your arthritis significantly affects daily activities, it's considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This protects you from discrimination and harassment at work. Your employer must make reasonable adjustments, such as flexible hours or ergonomic equipment. The Access to Work scheme can also fund equipment and support. You are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you need time off.
Your Rights Under the Equality Act 2010
- Protection from discrimination — your employer cannot treat you less favourably because of arthritis
- Right to reasonable adjustments — your employer must make changes to remove disadvantages you face
- Protection from harassment — colleagues cannot bully or mock you because of your condition
- Protection from victimisation — you cannot be penalised for raising concerns about discrimination
Reasonable Adjustments
Your employer is legally required to make "reasonable adjustments" to help you do your job. Examples include:
- Flexible working hours — starting later to manage morning stiffness
- Ergonomic equipment — adjustable desk, ergonomic keyboard, supportive chair
- Modified duties — avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged standing
- Working from home — on flare days or regularly
- Extra breaks — to stretch, move, or manage medication
- Accessible parking — closer to the workplace entrance
- Phased return — after illness or surgery
Access to Work Scheme
The government's Access to Work scheme can provide:
- Funding for specialist equipment or workplace adaptations
- Support worker costs
- Help with travel costs if you can't use public transport
- Mental health support
Apply at gov.uk/access-to-work. The scheme is available to employed and self-employed people.
Talking to Your Employer
- You don't have to disclose your condition at interview, but it helps to tell your employer once employed so they can make adjustments
- Ask for an occupational health referral — many employers provide this
- Put requests for adjustments in writing
- Keep records of any meetings about your condition
Sick Leave and SSP
If you need time off due to arthritis:
- You're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — currently £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks
- Many employers offer enhanced sick pay beyond SSP
- If you cannot return to work, you may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Getting Help
- ACAS — free workplace advice on 0300 123 1100
- Citizens Advice — help with employment disputes
- Disability Rights UK — factsheets on employment and arthritis
Knowing your rights empowers you to have productive conversations with your employer. Most employers want to support you — they just need to understand what you need.
Practical next steps for Working with Arthritis – Your UK Employment Rights
If you came here about Working with Arthritis – Your UK Employment Rights, pick one change you can keep for a fortnight rather than overhauling everything at once. Note what hurts, what helps, and what you have already tried, then take that list to your GP, rheumatology nurse or physiotherapist so the conversation stays concrete.In many areas you can ask your NHS trust about self-referral to physiotherapy or lifestyle support without waiting for a hospital letter. Check your GP surgery website or the NHS App for the route that applies where you live.
Benefits conversations
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) looks at how your condition affects daily living and mobility, not the diagnosis name alone. Keep a short diary of bad days, help you need with dressing or cooking, and walking limits. Welfare rights advisers at local councils or charities can check forms before you submit them.
Benefits conversations
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) looks at how your condition affects daily living and mobility, not the diagnosis name alone. Keep a short diary of bad days, help you need with dressing or cooking, and walking limits. Welfare rights advisers at local councils or charities can check forms before you submit them.
Preparing for appointments
Write three priorities before you go: main symptom, functional limit (stairs, sleep, work), and the question you most need answered. Bring a current medicine list including over-the-counter products. If English is not your first language, request an interpreter when you book.
Quick questions about Working with Arthritis Your
Is this a substitute for seeing a clinician? No. Use it to prepare questions and understand options, then confirm decisions with your NHS team.How long before I judge whether a change helped? Give most habit or exercise changes at least two to four weeks, unless pain or swelling clearly worsens — in that case scale back sooner.
What should I track? Joint pain (0–10), morning stiffness time, sleep quality, and how far you can walk or how long you can type or stand. Patterns beat one-off ratings.
Safety and when to get urgent help
This page is general information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical advice. Seek urgent help via NHS 111 or A&E if you have sudden inability to move a joint, hot swollen joint with fever, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms that feel immediately dangerous.
Keep learning with us
Explore related guides on Living With Arthritis UK — try the guides hub, diet hub, exercise hub, or site search to filter by topic and length. If benefits or work questions are on your mind, start at the Benefits & PIP hub.
Keep expectations kind while you work on working with arthritis – your uk employment rights. Arthritis symptoms fluctuate; a quieter week does not mean you imagined earlier pain, and a flare does not mean every helpful habit has failed. Adjust one variable at a time so you can see what truly helps.
Continue reading
- Universal Credit and Arthritis: Limited Capability for Work — Work Capability Assessments — what to expect and how to prepare.
- Arthritis at Work UK – Rights, Adjustments & Practical Tips — Managing arthritis while working in the UK.
- How to Talk to Your Employer About Rheumatoid Arthritis at Work — A practical guide to disclosing rheumatoid arthritis at work, requesting reasonable adjustments and knowing your legal rights under the.
- Arthritis at Work: Your UK Disability Rights Explained — The Equality Act 2010 protects employees with arthritis.