Are 'reasonable adjustments' expensive?

Not necessarily. Most adjustments made by employers are low cost. A study by Industrial Relations Services showed that most adjustments:

• Are common sense.
• Are low cost (less than £200) and require little imagination.
• Require direct consultation with the disabled worker.
• Require, if relevant, consultation with the recognised union.

Under the Equality Act, it is unlawful for an employer to pass on the costs of making a reasonable adjustment to the relevant employee (unless the contract expressly permits otherwise).