Disability Rights in the Workplace: What You Need to Know

11/02/2025

If you have a disability, you're an important part of the Irish workforce—and you have rights. You're entitled to fair treatment, protection from discrimination, and reasonable accommodations to help you succeed at work.

In 2022, 22% of people in Ireland reported living with a long-lasting condition or difficulty, with 8% saying it affects them significantly. While navigating work with a disability can be challenging, Irish law is on your side to ensure fair treatment.

Your Rights at Work

Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2021, it's illegal for your employer to discriminate against you based on disability, or any of the other nine protected grounds (like age, gender, or race).

As an employee with a disability, you have the right to:

  • Be treated fairly when applying for jobs, during employment, and in promotions.
  • Work in an environment free from discrimination or harassment.
  • Request reasonable accommodations to help you do your job effectively or to fully participate in workplace processes, such as grievances or disciplinary hearings.

Your employer is legally required to prevent discrimination and support equal opportunities for you at work.

What Is Considered a Disability?

Disability under Irish law covers a wide range of physical, intellectual, learning, cognitive, emotional, or medical conditions. This includes:

  • Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
  • Epilepsy, diabetes, HIV
  • Dyslexia and learning disabilities
  • Physical disabilities and mobility issues
  • Facial scarring, alcoholism, and other long-term conditions

Even if your condition isn't visible, you're still protected by law.

Your Employer's Responsibilities

Your employer must ensure that you're treated fairly and work in a safe, inclusive environment. Here's how:

1. Preventing Discrimination

Your employer cannot treat you differently because of your disability—whether it's in hiring, promotions, training, or daily tasks. They're also responsible for protecting you from bullying or harassment related to your disability.

2. Providing Reasonable Accommodations

Your employer must make reasonable changes to help you do your job. This could include:

  • Adjusting your work hours or offering flexible working
  • Providing assistive technology or specialised equipment
  • Modifying job tasks if needed
  • Making physical changes, like installing ramps for wheelchair users

Employers aren't required to make changes that cause extreme costs or difficulty, but funding for workplace adaptations is often available through the Work and Access Employment Programme.

3. Fairly Assessing Your Ability to Work

Your employer can't assume you're unable to do a job just because of your disability. They must first consider if reasonable accommodations would enable you to perform your role. If they dismiss you or refuse to hire you without doing this, it may be considered disability discrimination.

Know Your Rights and Get Support

Understanding your rights is the first step in ensuring you're treated with fairness and respect at work. If you face challenges, remember there are protections and support systems in place to help you.

If you're dealing with a specific issue in your workplace and need advice, support, or guidance on your rights, schedule a call with a WorkplaceDisputes.ie Advisor. We offer resources and expert assistance to make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

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