The legal position
Reasonable adjustments are changes intended to remove or reduce disability-related disadvantage. They can involve how work is organised, equipment, physical features or support. Employers must consider the duty where they know, or could reasonably be expected to know, about disability and disadvantage. What is reasonable depends on circumstances, including effectiveness, practicality and resources. The worker should not be required to pay for an adjustment.
Source and attribution [1]Using it in practice
Discuss the task and barrier with the person, respecting their preferences and confidentiality. Agree an owner, implementation date and review point. Record the adjustment in accessible language so it survives a manager change. Consider whether an interim measure is needed while equipment or advice is obtained. Review effectiveness after a change in duties or circumstances rather than treating an adjustment as permanently finished.
An example, not a reported case
Worked example · illustrative
An employee finds back-to-back video meetings difficult because of a health condition. The discussion explores shorter meetings, breaks, written summaries and which meetings genuinely need attendance. The team agrees a trial and a named contact for difficulties. The review asks whether the barrier has reduced and whether colleagues understand the working arrangement without disclosing unnecessary medical details.
What to watch for
A diagnosis alone does not specify the adjustment, and identical diagnoses do not imply identical needs. Occupational-health advice can inform decisions but does not transfer the employer’s responsibility.
Take it into your next conversation
Three useful questions.
- What is the specific disadvantage?
- Who will implement the change?
- How will we know it is working?
Related terms
Go to the evidence
Sources & attribution
[1] Acas. What reasonable adjustments are. ↗
Official guidance supports the legal overview. Application notes and examples are original editorial material, not individual legal advice. Check the linked source for changes and the full qualifications.
Published 2026-09-20 · Reviewed 2026-09-20. Editorial approach