skip to main content

Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

Public body Acas has updated its disability guidance to provide clear advice on how to support disabled people at work.

Published: 16 May 2022 | 10:00 AM Updated: 17 May 2022 | 3:03 PM
Bright blue sky with a white sign post showing three arrows saying help, guidance, support and advice in different directions.
Acas provides free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on a range of topics. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on a range of topics including; employment rights, best practice and policies and resolving workplace conflict.

Its new and updated disability guidance covers:

  • Talking about disability at work
  • How an employer should support disabled people
  • Managing a disability that gets worse over time
  • Disability-related absence
  • Capability and performance when someone is disabled
  • More support for managing disability at work

You can view the full guidance pack via the official Acas guidance page.

About Acas

Acas works with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. It is an independent public body that receives funding from the government.

MU support

You can read more about Disabled Musicians' Rights via our dedicated information page. It covers; mental health and discrimination, pre-employment questions, reasonable adjustments, access to work grants, access riders for musicians and more.

The information is designed to provide musicians with information about your rights at work, as set out under the Equality Act 2010.

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

At the MU we advocate on behalf of disabled and/or neurodivergent musicians to ensure their rights are upheld and strengthened – where they encounter discrimination, we’ll challenge it.  

Join our Disabled Member Network

The Disabled Members Network is a space for MU members who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent to meet and discuss issues that impact their communities, shape MU policy, and change the music industry and the MU for the better.

Join the Disabled Member Network

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

Continue reading

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre
Two parents holding their new born baby at home.

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales
Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)