Staying in work
What we think
We believe that sight loss should not equal job loss, and that anyone with sight loss should be supported and encouraged to stay in work whenever possible. Blind and partially sighted people who are in work should be provided with the right information, advice, equipment and support to help them retain work, and progress in their careers.
What’s happening now
27 per cent of non-working registered blind and partially sighted people said that the main reason for leaving their last job was the onset or deterioration of sight loss. However, 30 per cent who were not in work but who had worked in the past said that they maybe or definitely could have continued in their job given the right support.
The Equality Act makes it unlawful to dismiss someone on the grounds of disability, and places a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace for disabled people.
A new Fit for Work service helps employees stay in work, by providing anoccupational health assessment, and general health and work advice to employees, employers and GPs.
Blind and partially sighted people in paid employment require a work-based assessment to identify adjustments and support tailored to their circumstances and requirements. This assessment is typically funded by Access to Work, or commissioned by an employer or their Occupational Health Provider.
The majority of Access to Work assessments are carried out by contracted, prime-providers and a network of sub-contractors. Sight loss affects a relatively small percentage of disabled people compared with other conditions, and service providers often do not have the specialist expertise to support blind and partially sighted people. We continue to receive feedback suggesting that many blind and partially sighted people experience significant challenges in obtaining the equipment and support they need to start and retain employment.
What should happen
Every blind and partially sighted person in work should be offered regular work-based assessments that are holistic and person-centred.
Any person or organisation involved in carrying out work-based assessments should have the right qualifications, skills and abilities to support blind and partially sighted people in work. To this end, we support a greater professionalisation of the vocational rehabilitation industry.
Whilst we broadly support the Access to Work programme, we would like to see greater transparency in its quality assurance of their supply chain of assessment providers, and an evaluation of the programme's effectiveness in sustaining employment.
Whilst RNIB broadly supports the Fit For Work service, there needs to be a clear referral system to specialist providers, who understand the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people at work.
We would like to see improved partnerships between employers, employees, occupational health providers, assessment service providers, and funding bodies, in supporting blind and partially sighted people to stay in work.
There is a need for greater awareness among employers to understand the business benefit of retaining blind and partially sighted employees.
For more information please contact the RNIB campaigns hotline on 020 7391 2123 or .
Revised February 2018
rnib.org.uk