Reasonable adjustments

Bipolar is classified as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, meaning employers are not allowed to discriminate against people with the condition.

Employers have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments in order to enable someone to work. This applies to all workers, including trainees, apprentices, contract workers and business partners.

  • For someone with bipolar or someone who is supporting a loved one with bipolar, reasonable adjustments are the changes an employer can make to remove or reduce a disadvantage for someone that is related to their disability or caring responsibilities.

    An employer does not have to make adjustments that they may deem unreasonable. However, they should still aim to find other ways to support someone.

  • In the workplace, an employee who is living with bipolar, and their employer, can work together to suggest what reasonable adjustments might help.

    Employers need to listen and take the time to understand any requests. If necessary, both employer and employee can seek medical advice or set up an occupational health assessment.

    Any reasonable adjustments that are agreed need to be confirmed in writing.

  • These adjustments can be put into place at any time – either when someone starts a new job or role, or after they’ve been there for a while.

    Reasonable adjustments vary from individual to individual, from workplace to workplace and from role to role. They may also need to be revised at different times, depending on changes to your health and work life.

    It’s important for reasonable adjustments to be regularly reviewed, and for what’s been asked for and agreed upon to be put in place to be recorded.

  • Creating the right culture and conditions in the workplace allows staff to reach their full potential and to use their talents and resources to maximise efficiency.

    This doesn’t benefit only individuals with bipolar, but also the wider company culture, and society in general.

  • No. Many of the adjustments that help to make bipolar easier to manage in the workplace aren’t expensive or difficult to implement.

    They are often no different to flexible working requests offered to protected groups such as parents and carers.

  • Reasonable adjustments can include things like flexible sick leave to allow people to focus on their self-care if they notice early symptoms, or flexible work schedules that allow people to start or finish work earlier.

    It’s can also be helpful to include practical adjustments, such as working from home and allowing time off for medical appointments.

  • Bipolar UK offers a range of training and support options for employees and organisations, which can include a two-hour training course that includes details on creating advance statements, and implementing meaningful reasonable adjustments. 

    Find Bipolar UK’s training options here

Scroll to top