What is a reasonable adjustment?
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A reasonable adjustment might be any action that helps to alleviate a substantial disadvantage. The most important thing to remember is that treating everyone the same does not mean you are treating everyone fairly. The Equality Act requires people to be treated differently, according to their needs, by making reasonable adjustments for them. In some cases this may minvolve treating the disabled person more favourably.
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In determining the reasonableness of the adjustment the following may be taken into account:
- how effective the adjustment will be in preventing the disadvantage
- how practical is the adjustment
- the cost of making the adjustment (although cost alone cannot be a factor in deciding not to make an adjustment)
- the potential disruption that it may cause to others
- the time, effort and resources involved in making the adjustments
- the amount of resources already spent on making other adjustments
- the availability of financial or other help
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Examples of possible adjustments to working arrangements or the job may change from person to person to suit their needs, even where they may have the same disability.
