Continuing work and reasonable adjustments

Your legal protection

Dementia is treated as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 from the day of diagnosis, meaning you have legal protection from the outset. The protections include:

• Protection from direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
• The right to reasonable adjustments;
• Protection in recruitment, terms of employment, promotion, training and dismissal;
• Protection from being treated unfavourably because of dementia, even if the dementia is not the only reason.

An employer who does not make reasonable adjustments, or who treats you differently because of the dementia, may be acting unlawfully.

Telling your employer

You are not legally required to disclose a diagnosis unless it affects safety in a specific role. Most people choose to disclose, either at diagnosis or as symptoms start to affect work, because:

• Equality Act protections require the employer to know;
• Reasonable adjustments cannot be made without disclosure;
• Stress of hiding the diagnosis often exceeds the stress of disclosure;
• Most employers respond constructively when informed early.

The conversation is usually with your line manager and HR, often supported by a written summary from your memory clinic. Bringing the assessment letter helps make it concrete.

Reasonable adjustments

What is "reasonable" depends on your role, the size of the employer and the specific symptoms. Common adjustments:

• Reduced hours or part-time working;
• Flexible working patterns;
• Quieter workspace, away from distractions;
• Written rather than verbal instructions;
• Memory aids (planners, written check-lists, reminders);
• Reduced multitasking, with clear single-task assignments;
• Mentor or "buddy" support;
• Reassignment to less cognitively demanding tasks;
• Additional regular check-ins;
• Time off for medical appointments.

Access to Work

Access to Work is a UK government scheme providing practical and financial support for workers with health conditions. It can fund:

• Workplace adjustments (equipment, software);
• A support worker for certain tasks;
• Transport costs;
• Mental health support;
• Communication support.

You apply yourself through GOV.UK. An assessor visits the workplace and recommends support. The scheme covers up to 80 per cent of the cost above an employer threshold.

Pension and benefits

• Occupational pension: many schemes have ill-health early retirement provisions, often with enhanced benefits. Check your scheme's rules with HR or the scheme administrator.
• Personal pension: usually accessible from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028).
• State Pension: paid from State Pension age; not affected by your health.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): non-means-tested benefit for people under State Pension age with daily living or mobility difficulties.
• Attendance Allowance: non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age needing help with personal care.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): for people unable to work due to ill health.
• Universal Credit: where applicable.

Citizens Advice and Age UK provide free help with benefit claims. Disability Rights UK runs a benefits enquiry service.

Critical illness and income protection insurance

Check existing policies. Some critical illness insurance specifically covers dementia diagnoses; income protection insurance may pay out where you cannot work. Read your policy schedule carefully.

When to step back

The decision to stop working is personal. Signs that the work is becoming unsustainable include:

• Performance issues despite adjustments;
• Significant work-related stress;
• Errors with safety implications;
• Increasing exhaustion;
• Family responsibilities and care needs growing.

Most people transition gradually: from full-time, to part-time, to project work, to volunteering. Each step has its own value, and continued engagement (in a manageable form) supports cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

Where to get help

• Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): 0300 123 1100, free advice on employment rights;
• Citizens Advice;
• Trade union if you are a member;
• Disability Rights UK;
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Connect Support Line.