Blog - Advice & information

The government’s Access to Work grant helps organisations pay for reasonable adjustments to give deaf people and those with hearing loss access to the same jobs, working conditions and opportunities as everyone else. Here’s a roundup of some frequently asked questions about the scheme: Who is eligible for the Access to Work grant? Applicants must be 16 or over with a permanent hearing loss which affects their ability to apply for or do a job. Certain benefits may affect whether an...

The Equality Act 2010 (or Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) requires employers to make reasonable adjustments so that deaf people and those with hearing loss are not unfairly disadvantaged during the recruitment process or in the workplace. Reasonable adjustments, to help those with hearing loss, are often free or inexpensive to implement and the government’s Access to Work scheme can contribute to the cost of specialist equipment and practical support. Tips for making reasonable adjustments during recruitment Here are...

Under the Equality Act 2010, or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland, employers must protect employees against unfair treatment and give them access to equal opportunities in the workplace. Employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to make sure that deaf staff and those with hearing loss are not disadvantaged at any time during their employment. This includes the recruitment process, training and development, day-to-day working environment, health and safety practices, flexible working arrangements and promotion opportunities. Employees...

If you need extra support at work because you’re deaf or have hearing loss, help is available. Under the Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) your employer must make reasonable adjustments so that you’re not disadvantaged compared with hearing colleagues. Access to Work grant You may be entitled to an Access to Work grant to help cover the cost of any reasonable adjustments. The amount you might receive depends on how much assistance you need....

Disability Confident is a government scheme that helps employers attract, recruit and retain disabled staff. It provides advice and information to help organisations think differently about disability and how to make the workplace more accessible. The Disability Confident scheme has replaced the previous Guaranteed Interview scheme and Two Ticks scheme. Benefits for businesses The Disability Confident scheme can help employers: tap into a wider pool of talent to meet their workforce needs recruit and retain high-quality staff reduce staff turnover, saving...

If you are deaf or have hearing loss it’s important to know your rights at work. The Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) states that employers must not discriminate against disabled people, which includes deaf people and those with hearing loss. Disability discrimination in the workplace can happen if you’re treated less well than others as a result of your hearing loss. Discrimination doesn’t have to be intentional to be unlawful. It can be...

Research has shown that deaf people and those with hearing loss may be put off applying for jobs because of concerns that their communication needs will not be met during the interview process. The Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that candidates who are disabled have equal access to employment opportunities. If you’re applying for work and have hearing loss, you should request communication support if you...

Our Louder than Words services are designed to support deaf people and those with hearing loss at work. We offer workplace assessments, deaf awareness and BSL training, communication support and hearing loop installation – and our Trustpilot reviews show that we’re getting it right. But what about support for unemployed people who are deaf or have hearing loss? We’re also a valuable source of information for those seeking work. Here’s some guidance on what’s available: Find a Disability Employment Adviser You can...

Deafness and hearing loss should not be a barrier to finding work. Many employers are recognising the value of making their business more inclusive. As well as complying with equality law, they want to broaden their talent pool. If you are deaf or have hearing loss, information and services are available to help you secure employment. Meet your Disability Employment Adviser If you need support in your job search, make an appointment with the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local...

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to hear what’s going on at work? One in 12 employees in the UK has some form of hearing loss. It can happen at any age – although people over 50s are more likely to be affected. If you've noticed a change in your hearing, we recommend booking a hearing test. The audiologist may suggest hearing aids to improve your quality of life. Benefits of hearing aids Hearing aids have numerous benefits in the workplace....