Retail Job Hurdles For Wheelchair User

As far as I'm aware, an employer cannot ask a disabled person directly about their disability during the recruitment process.

I am a full time wheelchair user looking for part time work. I orginally avoided applying for retail positions because of practical issues such as shop tills being higher than me. However after searching for jobs for a few weeks I realised that retail was the main sector where I could get a job which would match the hours I can work.

I have since applied for retail positions which require minimal physical labour. I have been shortlisted for interview at a well known jewellery and watch store. I am now concerned that my disability will put the interviewer off as soon as he sees me.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I can get round awkward access to tills? I think I would be able to access the tills if slight adjustments were made but will my employer be bothered to make these adjustments if he can employ an able bodied person instead? And also what can I say if the interviewer asks how I'm going to cope with tills and reaching some of products on the higher isles?

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

well done for getting an interview and hope it goes well

did you mention being a wheelchair user on the application form?

You're worrying about it too much, because of the Equality Act 2010 employers have to take a positive action to employ a wider cross section of people (meaning that simply being disabled could work in your favour). If the employer has been put off from employing you because of your disability and there is no other good reason, then that is direct disability discrimination and you could probably take them to a tribunal. An employer cannot reject you simply because he cannot be assed to make reasonable adjustments. As far as I'm aware, an employer cannot ask a disabled person directly about their disability during the recruitment process, so your question about tills and higher isles should not be an issue. Basically, an employer cannot refuse to employ you because of your disability, so if he didn't employ you because you can't reach the higher items, you can take them to a tribunal. Of course, if there's better candidates, and the employer can prove there were better candidates, then it's all normal.

Do not automatically assume you cannot do a job, and don't let that prevent you from applying for a job. I'm a full time wheelchair user too, and I've researched into disability law.

You're worrying about it too much, because of the Equality Act 2010 employers have to take a positive action to employ a wider cross section of people (meaning that simply being disabled could work in your favour). If the employer has been put off from employing you because of your disability and there is no other good reason, then that is direct disability discrimination and you could probably take them to a tribunal. An employer cannot reject you simply because he cannot be assed to make reasonable adjustments. As far as I'm aware, an employer cannot ask a disabled person directly about their disability during the recruitment process, so your question about tills and higher isles should not be an issue. Basically, an employer cannot refuse to employ you because of your disability, so if he didn't employ you because you can't reach the higher items, you can take them to a tribunal. Of course, if there's better candidates, and the employer can prove there were better candidates, then it's all normal.

Do not automatically assume you cannot do a job, and don't let that prevent you from applying for a job. I'm a full time wheelchair user too, and I've researched into disability law.

And in the real world none of that applies.

Its quite easy for a prospective employee to not see beyond the disability, give the job to someone else and let you down gently as "not being the best candidate for the job".

Its your word against theirs.