Work & school — staying in, going back, and what you're entitled to
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Whether you're trying to stay in a job, go back after time off, or navigate school or university, there's more support available than most people realise going in.
Telling your employer or school
You're not obliged to disclose a diagnosis straight away, but doing so is usually what opens the door to formal support. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers and education providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and students — that can mean anything from flexible hours to physical changes to the workplace or classroom.
Access to Work
Access to Work is a government scheme that can fund specialist equipment, support workers, travel costs, or workplace adaptations (including for home working) to help you get or stay in a job. It doesn't affect other benefits and doesn't need to be paid back.
Support in education
For children and young people up to 25 who need more support than standard provision, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) formally sets out educational, health and social needs and the support required to meet them. Young people aged 16–25 can request an assessment themselves; parents, teachers or health professionals can also start the process.
If things change suddenly
A hospital stay or a flare-up doesn't have to mean choosing between your health and your job or course. Ask about a phased return, and if it's available, an occupational health referral at work can help set out what adjustments would make coming back manageable rather than all-or-nothing.