Diabetes and Discrimination

Employers should ensure you are not at a disadvantage because of your diabetes

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) states that your employer should be expected to make reasonable adjustments to prevent discrimination taking place.

An employer should not place you in a situation where you are disadvantaged as a result of your diabetes, if it can be reasonably avoided.

An example may be if you need to have breaks to test blood glucose levels. Where this can be accommodated, the employer should make adjustments to allow you to do this.

I feel I am being discriminated against because of my diabetes, what should I do?

Should you feel that you have a case, there are a numbers of ways to deal with the issue. Where possible you should try to speak informally with your manager or supervisor. Address the issue and work out with your manager what can be done to resolve the problem.

If this approach fails to make the situation better, you may wish to raise a grievance.

An employer may have a grievance procedure in place but if they don’t the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) have a standard procedure and they may be also be able to offer advice.

Can an employer sack me for having diabetes?

If your diabetes renders you incapable of performing your job, despite reasonable adjustments and the possibility of moving to a different role being considered, you could be dismissed on fair grounds.

If your diabetes has lead you to be off work for a long time and you are unlikely to return to work soon, an employer could be acting within their rights if they choose to terminate your position. What is seen as a long time will depend on the type of work you do.