Everyone has the right to work on an equal basis with other workers, free from discrimination, and in a work environment which is accessible to all workers.
Results from the PDA’s disability discrimination survey of members showed that a third of respondents had not declared their disability or long-term health condition to their employer. Everyone has the decision on whether to declare a disability or not, but the PDA knows that often people don’t declare due to fear of discrimination. However, once an employer is aware of an employee having a disability or long-term condition, the employer has a legal obligation to support that individual. This includes making reasonable adjustments and protecting them from disability discrimination.
The Equality Act 2010 provides protections from disability discrimination at work and has been amended to define disability as, “a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities […includes…] the person’s ability to participate fully and effectively in working life on an equal basis with other workers.”
Any form of unlawful discrimination is unacceptable. PDA members who have experienced discrimination at work or feel that they are being denied a reasonable adjustment in the workplace are encouraged to contact the PDA Member Support Centre. The PDA can offer members legal advice and guidance specific to their case. The PDA’s guide to discrimination in the workplace also provides advice.
An anonymous PDA member said, “The PDA has been central in supporting me through the early stages of my career and still are a big element of my journey today as a pharmacist with a hearing impairment. I would truly recommend turning to them for any advice and support.”
Get involved
- If you would like to get more involved in this campaign or any other activities of the network, please email ability@the-pda.org.
- Join the PDA Ability Network here.
- Follow the PDA Ability Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAability
Learn more
- It’s Time to Address Discrimination: Standing up for Sitting Down
- PDA Ability Network releases initial findings from the disability discrimination survey
- PDA Ability Network produces factsheet supporting those accessing reasonable adjustments
- The Equality Act 2010
- PDA Member Support Centre
- Guide to: Discrimination in the Workplace
- ‘It’s Time’ campaign series
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.