8,744
of 20,000 signatures
To Sir Stephen Timms is the Social Security and Disability Minister at the DWP
If I need time off from work to manage my disability, I have to use my Annual Leave (which is for holiday) or my Sick Days (for unexpected illness). If my HR department knows about Disability Leave - which not everyone does - they might offer it separately, but it is not the law. This means I am not guaranteed protected time off to manage my condition.
This affects disabled workers who need time for medical appointments, treatment, or recovery. We may have to use sick leave first. If that runs out, we may have to use annual leave. If that runs out too, we can be left without any protected time off and may risk our jobs for managing our health.
This matters to everyone. Around 25% of people in the UK are disabled, and anyone can become disabled at any time. 80% of impairments are acquired during working age. The Equality and Human Rights Commission lists disability leave as one example of a reasonable adjustment an employer could make. But it is only an example, not a legal requirement. There is no guaranteed entitlement.
Making disability leave a legal right for every worker in the UK would help protect disabled people at work. It would sit alongside other workplace rights, such as limits on working hours and entitlements to sick leave, annual leave, and parental leave.
Petition text
Disability Leave needs to be a statutory right. Every employer should be legally required to provide it, just as they must provide sick pay and paid holiday.
It should be protected time that sits separately from sickness absence and annual leave. Disabled workers should be able to use it to manage their condition without fear of disciplinary action.
Paid holiday was introduced in 1938. Maternity leave followed in 1975. Statutory sick pay came in 1983. None of these rights were designed for people living with long-term conditions who need a sustainable way to stay in work.
A clear disability leave policy would help HR recruit more disabled staff and support employees who become disabled while working. It could reduce staff turnover, lower legal risk, and help create workplaces that work for everyone.
That is what disability leave could offer, and it is long overdue.
Make Disability Leave a statutory right for every worker in the UK.
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Make Disability Leave a statutory right for every worker in the UK.
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Make Disability Leave a statutory right for every worker in the UK.
Make Disability Leave a statutory right for every worker in the UK.
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