Equality, rights and employment

You've come to the right place to learn about your legal rights and how to challenge discrimination. Here you can also find tips on how to stay in your current job or find new opportunities.

Equality and your rights

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is designed to protect you from unfair treatment and to create a more equal society, and applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

Disability Discrimination Act

In Northern Ireland, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) works to protect people who have disabilities, including sight loss, from discrimination.
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Social care and rehabilitation

Find out more about the type of help you can get from your local authority's social services team to help you continue to lead an independent life.

Your rights in employment

If you are blind or partially sighted, the Equality Act protects you from different kinds of discrimination while at work.
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Voting and elections

All voters have a right to vote independently and in secret, and local authorities must ensure that polling stations are accessible.

Your rights as a customer

Receiving great customer service, whether when travelling, out shopping, or banking, can make a big difference to your confidence and independence.

Employment and work

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Looking for work

We can support and help you to find work, including choosing a career, finding vacancies, writing a CV, completing application forms and more.
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Staying in work

If you have experienced a change in your sight, you may need support to stay in work. Read about assistive technology, advice on support workers and more. 
RNIB guide to working with blind and partially sighted colleagues

Becoming self-employed

Read information about self-employment, including the skills usually needed, to develop your business idea and start your own business.

Working after lockdown

The way we work has changed following the impact of coronavirus in the UK. There are a new set of challenges to face whether you are working from home or elsewhere or looking for a new role.

While the advice is still to work from home where possible, we have information on a range of relevant subjects for employees with sight loss. 

For more information and help, contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Employment support and benefits

Read about the support provided by the government and other organisations, such as the Access to Work scheme, as well as work placements, training and mentoring opportunities.

See the available support

You may also find our information on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) useful.

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Stay up-to-date on the latest employment news and developments to help you find and retain work.

Read the latest news

Employment factsheets

Our series of employment factsheets cover a range of topics to help you find or remain in work.

Sight Advice FAQ

Answers to questions that others have found useful 

See all FAQs