Disclosing your condition

How to tell your employer about your arthritis

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis or have lived with the condition for some time, you may feel worried about discussing it with your employer.

There are no rules that say you must share information or disclose your disability or long-term health condition to your employer. Not everyone with arthritis will feel they need to share information on their condition, especially if it is not a health and safety issue, does not impact on your capacity to carry out your job and you don't require any adjustments.

If, however, you are experiencing problems with work due to your condition, communicating this can help your employer to work with you. Together, you can identify any barriers and explore the adjustments you need to allow you to continue to work. 

While it is natural to be worried about revealing personal information like this, you have rights to privacy. Your employer is obliged to consider any reasonable adjustments required to address barriers to work. They must also ensure any health and safety concerns are addressed.

Any adjustments you need should be considered by your employer. While it may not be possible to implement everything, having an open discussion on this will help your employer understand your difficulties. ACAS provides guidance for employers and employees on reasonable adjustments within the workplace.

Employers are only required to make adjustments that are reasonable. Costs and practicality of making an adjustment and any resources available to the employer may be relevant in deciding what is reasonable.

The Government's Access to Work scheme is available and can provide funding for equipment or support beyond the reasonable adjustments that your employer is able to offer.

People with arthritis have told us that talking to a line manager about a problem early on is much better than letting something reach a crisis point.

“My line manager has been amazing, she’s such a support. She’s so empathetic and understands the challenges that I’ve faced and will support me any way possible so I can keep working. I honestly love my job.” Delyth.