Disability Discrimination Lawyers
Specialist disability discrimination lawyers in London and the South East providing expert advice when you’re mistreated at work.
Treated unfairly at work because of a disability? We can help.
If you’re living with a physical or mental health condition – whether visible, hidden or fluctuating – the last thing you should face is unfair treatment at work. But too often, employees are excluded, misunderstood or dismissed because of assumptions about what they can or can’t do.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we help employees and senior professionals challenge disability discrimination in all its forms – from a lack of reasonable adjustments to unfair performance concerns, disciplinary action or dismissal. We’ll support you in understanding your legal rights, acting strategically and moving forward with confidence.
How we support you
Our disability discrimination lawyers act for employees at all levels – from early-career professionals to board-level executives – across a wide range of sectors. We help clients stay in their roles with the right support, leave on fair terms through a negotiated settlement, or bring successful claims that result in compensation and accountability.
Common scenarios include:
- Being denied reasonable adjustments, such as flexible hours, equipment or tailored support.
- Facing disciplinary or capability action after a period of sickness absence.
- Being overlooked for promotion due to assumptions about energy, resilience or availability.
- Experiencing harassment or dismissal linked to a disclosed or perceived disability.
- Needing support to challenge unfair treatment while remaining in post.
Our advice is practical, strategic and grounded in real-world experience – including occupational health processes, assessments and related documentation. Whatever success looks like for you, we’ll help you get there.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
Do I qualify for protection under the Equality Act?
You don’t need a formal diagnosis or be registered as disabled to be protected. Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
This includes a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Long-term physical impairments.
- Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
- Fluctuating or chronic illnesses, such as ME or fibromyalgia.
- Progressive conditions or those triggered by stress.
- Neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, ADHD or dyslexia. (see our dedicated support for neurodivergent employees)
If you have cancer, HIV or multiple sclerosis (MS), you are automatically treated as disabled under the law.
What counts as disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination isn’t always obvious. It may look like subtle exclusion from projects, lack of progression, excessive scrutiny or a complete failure to consider your needs.
Under the Equality Act 2010, the main types of disability discrimination include:
- Direct discrimination – Being treated unfairly because of your disability.
- Indirect discrimination – Workplace policies or practices that disadvantage disabled people.
- Discrimination arising from disability – Being penalised for something linked to your condition, such as absence.
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments – Not adapting your role or environment when required.
- Harassment – Comments, behaviour or pressure linked to your condition that create a hostile or degrading environment.
- Victimisation – Being treated unfairly after requesting adjustments or raising a disability-related concern.
Whether you’re still in your role or have already left, we’ll help you make sense of what’s happened and protect your legal position.
Meet our employment law partners
Why choose our disability discrimination lawyers.
- Specialist employment lawyers – Experts in disability and workplace discrimination law.
- Recognised for excellence – Legal 500 listed, Lexcel accredited and proud members of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Easy to work with – Offices in London and the South East, plus remote consultations for fast, flexible support wherever you are.
- Trusted for results – Five-star reviews for practical legal advice, empathy and delivering the outcomes clients need.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
What to do if you’re facing disability discrimination at work.
You don’t need to have everything worked out – and you don’t have to face it alone. We’ll help you understand your rights and take the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reasonable adjustment?
Reasonable adjustments are changes your employer should make to remove or reduce workplace disadvantage caused by your disability. These could include flexible hours, remote working, specialised equipment, changes to performance processes or time off for treatment. If your employer refuses without justification, it may be unlawful. Our disability discrimination lawyers can help you make the request or take further steps if needed.
What’s the time limit for bringing a discrimination claim?
In most cases, you must bring a claim within three months (less one day) of the discriminatory act. This applies whether you're still employed or not. Before going to tribunal, you’ll also need to notify Acas and go through early conciliation. We can help ensure you stay within the time limits and don’t miss your opportunity to act.
What counts as a disability under the Equality Act?
A disability is a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term impact on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or to qualify for legal protection. Conditions include physical impairments, mental health issues, chronic illness and progressive or fluctuating conditions. Neurodivergent conditions are also potentially protected.
Is poor treatment after long-term sick leave discrimination?
It can be. If your employer penalises you, sidelines you or puts you through capability proceedings without considering your health condition, that may be discrimination arising from disability. In many situations, employers have a duty to support your return and consider reasonable adjustments. Our disability discrimination lawyers can help challenge unfair treatment and protect your position.
Do I have to tell my employer I’m disabled to be protected?
Not always. If your employer should reasonably have known about your condition - from behaviour, absence, medical notes or conversations - they may still have a legal duty to act. However, telling your employer can help trigger your right to reasonable adjustments and may strengthen your legal position. We’ll guide you on the safest way to do this. Also, employers can be liable for indirect disability discrimination claims where they did not have any knowledge of your disability.
Can I challenge how my employer handled my medical information?
Yes. Your employer must treat health information as sensitive and confidential. If they shared details about your condition inappropriately, failed to consult you, or acted on assumptions rather than evidence, this could be a breach of your rights - and in some cases, disability discrimination. Our disability discrimination lawyers will help you raise the issue and explore next steps.
Will raising a claim affect future job prospects?
Many clients worry about being labelled ‘difficult’ for standing up to discrimination. But raising a claim is your legal right - and you don’t have to tell future employers unless you want to. Settlement agreements are nearly always confidential but, with employment tribunal claims, these usually become public at a certain stage in the case. We can discuss your concerns and help you protect your reputation while taking action.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.