✅ Anyone can request

✅ Usually a fast process (max 2 mo.)

✅ Well documented list of reasons employer could deny

✅ Can request other forms of working adjustments (ie. adjusting shifts to account for school run)

✅ Don’t need much “evidence”. I’ve been advised to use feeling language in my meeting as employer cannot deny this. YMMV

❎ Easier for employer to deny

❎ Can only make 2 requests per year

❎ Scoped to changes of where and when you work, generally.

✅ Very hard for employer to reject legally

✅ Can request a wider range of adjustments, such as equipment, software, accessible access to premises.

✅ Lots of unions have experienced reps who can guide you through the process.

✅ Employers dont want to go through this process. It’s lots of effort and even costly to fight so you may find them happy to agree early on.

✅ Escalation routes. You can take a belligerent employer to tribunal should they give you trouble or refuse your requests. This isn’t ideal but your union rep can advise you.

❎ Scoped to disabled people and carers as defined in the Equality Act 2010. Mental health and sexual characteristics (ie. trans) may be considered on certain issues too, though.

❎ Can be expensive. My colleague’s wife had to go private for the necessary notes and cost her hundreds.

❎ More complex. You need lots of evidence, and that means more time and stress. However, union reps can guide you through this and know the law.

IWW.org.uk has flexible rates (from £1 up depending on income) and accepts workers in any industry, and has a radical anti-capitalist program. You may wish to join a different union instead - Do some research!