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

An orchestra rehearsal with young people playing various instruments, two have adaptive instruments.

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Celebrate UK Disability History Month 2025 with this curated round-up of news and resources for disabled musicians and anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge and allyship. Discover funding tips, networking opportunities, MU support and more.

Published: 05 December 2025

Read more about MU Marks Disability History Month 2025
Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the Union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

Read more about Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work
Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

Read more about Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth
An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

Read more about MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry