Guidance Notes for the

Job Interview Guarantee Scheme

AngliaRuskinUniversity is committed to employing disabled people. Our Job Interview Guarantee Scheme ensures thatwe will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteriafor the job applied for, and consider them on their abilities. If you would like your application to be considered under the Scheme, please indicate this on your application.

Disability has a broad meaning under the Equality Act 2010. It is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. ‘Substantial’ means more than minor or trivial. ‘Impairment’ covers, for example, long-term medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and fluctuating or progressive conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or motor neurone disease. A mental impairment includes mental health conditions (such as bipolar disorder or depression), learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) and learning disabilities (such as autism and Down’s syndrome). Some people, including those with cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS, are automatically protected as disabled people by the Act. People with severe disfigurement will also be protected without needing to show that it has a substantial adverse effect on day-today activities.[1] /

Day-to-day activities can include things like using the telephone, reading a book or using public transport. They may also include moving unaided from place to place; perception of the risk of physical danger;physical co-ordination; memory or the ability to concentrate, learn and understand; ability to lift or carry everyday objects; and talking, hearing,seeing (unless remedied with corrective lenses).

If you are unsure whether your condition or impairment is considered a disability, try asking yourself the following questions:

  • Is your condition or impairment long term, or something that is likely to recur in future?
/  No

Yes

  • Does your condition or impairment have a substantial impact on your ability to carry out day-to-day activities?
/ No

Yes

Your condition or impairment is likely to be considered a disability.

This document is intended as guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Last updated: September 2010

[1] This text is from The Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know? Disability Quick Start Guide, published by the Government Equalities Office (2010), online at