The Low-Stress Guide to Interview Adjustments in the UK
This guide helps you ask for interview adjustments with the lowest possible risk. It gives short scripts, a neurodiversity matrix with expandables, and the legal basics under the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination is unlawful. Bias can still creep in. The aim is to remove barriers while protecting your chances.
Feeling anxious about asking
You are not alone. You do not have to share a diagnosis. Describe the barrier and the fix. Even small requests can level the field.
You are not alone. You do not have to share a diagnosis. Describe the barrier and the fix. Even small requests can level the field.
1) The legal bottom line
Equality Act 2010: if a physical or mental impairment has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities, you are protected. Recruitment is covered. Employers must remove barriers that place you at a substantial disadvantage.
- Employers should not ask about health except to arrange adjustments, for lawful monitoring, or where essential safety criteria apply.
- Rejecting you for asking is unlawful. Bias can still influence outcomes, so your strategy is calm, precise requests and a short written record.
- Most interview adjustments are low cost. Many are free.
2) Three ways to ask
Green, zero disclosure
- “Could I have the agenda and timings in advance.”
- “Written copies of multi-part questions would help me give clearer answers.”
- “For any written task, may I use a keyboard rather than handwriting.”
- “Is a quiet waiting space available rather than the main reception.”
Amber, functional disclosure without labels
- “I process information best in writing. For fairness, could questions be shown on screen and taken one at a time.”
- “I experience fatigue in long sessions. Two shorter blocks would let you see my best work.”
- “I can have urgent bathroom needs. I will need immediate access if required.”
Red, rights-based request when needed
“I have a long-term health condition covered by the Equality Act. To participate fairly I need written questions, a quiet room, and a short break at 45 minutes. Please confirm who will arrange this.”
3) Neurodiversity matrix, fast scan
| Profile | Common barriers | Sample adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Autism | Processing speed, sensory load, unstructured panels | Questions in writing, one at a time, quiet room, time buffer, literal wording, alternative to group exercises |
| ADHD | Attention drift, time perception, working memory load | Shorter blocks, timing cues, keyboard for tasks, written prompts, no last-minute format shifts |
| Dyslexia | Reading speed, dense text, spelling under time | Extra time, keyboard, readable layouts, spellcheck unless spelling is essential |
| Dyspraxia | Fine motor speed, fast handwriting, setup time | Keyboard, extra time, space to move, avoid time-pressured whiteboard tasks |
| Dyscalculia | Numeracy under pressure, mental arithmetic | Calculator where not essential, numeric data in writing, extra time |
| Tourette | Tics misread as behaviour, self-consciousness | Permission to tic, breaks on request, smaller room if preferred |
| Stammering | Time to speak, phone-only tasks | Do not interrupt, extra time, alternatives to phone unless essential |
| Auditory processing | Multi-voice cross-talk, noisy rooms | Written questions, one voice at a time, quiet room, captions online |
| OCD, PTSD, anxiety | Unpredictability, triggers, confrontational styles | Clear agenda, private waiting space, breaks on request, option to bring a quiet supporter for adjustments only |
Use the matrix to pick two or three high impact changes. Open details below for more context.
4) Neurodiversity details, expandable
Autism — structure, sensory, processing
- Panel names and agenda in advance. No surprise format changes.
- Questions in writing or on screen. One at a time. Time to pause.
- Quiet room with reduced visual and sound distractions. Lights adjusted if needed.
- Alternative to group tasks that reward fast turn-taking rather than job criteria.
- Permission to use discreet sensory aids such as ear defenders or a fidget tool.
ADHD — focus, time, cues
- Shorter blocks with a set break every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Written prompts and explicit scoring criteria for each question.
- Timing cues from the interviewer, for example two minutes remaining.
- Keyboard rather than handwriting. Notepad allowed.
Dyslexia — reading, extra time, clarity
- Extra time for reading and written tasks. Keyboard permitted.
- Readable typography, larger fonts, high contrast, clear numbering.
- Spellcheck unless accurate spelling is essential to the role.
Dyspraxia — motor, pace, setup
- Keyboard rather than fast handwriting. Extra time for written parts.
- Time to set up comfortably. Permission to sit or stand as needed.
- Avoid time-pressured whiteboard tasks where motor control is not the skill.
Dyscalculia — numeracy, fair alternatives
- Calculator allowed where mental arithmetic is not an essential criterion.
- Numerical data presented clearly and in writing. Extra time.
Tourette — dignity with tics
- Permission to tic without penalty. Clear note that tics are not behaviour.
- Break on request. Smaller room if fewer observers feels better.
Stammering — time to speak
- Do not interrupt. Allow more time to answer.
- Alternative to telephone tasks unless phone fluency is essential.
- Permission to provide some answers in writing if appropriate.
Auditory processing differences — clarity over noise
- Written questions and instructions. One voice at a time.
- Quiet room. Seating that improves hearing line of sight.
- Online, enable captions and provide a chat transcript of key points.
OCD, PTSD, anxiety — predictability, safety
- Clear agenda in advance. No confrontational styles that do not test criteria.
- Private waiting area to reduce triggers. Breaks on request.
- Option to bring a quiet supporter for adjustments only. They do not answer.
5) Other common barriers and fixes
Continence and gastrointestinal
- Guaranteed nearby toilet access without explanation each time.
- Zero penalty for short exits and permission to carry water or rehydration.
- Remote interview if travel stress is the barrier.
Fatigue and pain
- Split interviews into shorter blocks. Schedule later in the day if needed.
- Ergonomic seating. Permission to stand or move.
Mobility and access
- Step-free access, lift availability, and accessible toilet confirmed in advance.
- Reserved parking close to the entrance where possible.
Seizure risk and photosensitivity
- Flicker-safe environment, reduced brightness, and screen breaks.
- Alternative to whiteboard tasks if tremor or dystonia affects motor control.
Immunosuppression
- Private or well-ventilated room. Remote interview during high circulation periods.
6) Adapting interview formats
Panel interviews
- Panel names and agenda in advance. One person leads the flow to avoid cross-talk.
- Questions displayed on screen. Permission to take notes.
Group exercises
- Rules sent beforehand. Offer a paired or individual alternative where group dynamics disadvantage you unrelated to criteria.
Technical tests and presentations
- Keyboard allowed, extra time, and readable formatting. Spellcheck unless spelling is essential.
- Slides permitted and shared in advance. Option to pre-record a short segment if live performance is not the skill being assessed.
Remote interviews
- Live captions and transcript on request. Camera optional during reading segments.
- Breaks planned. Clear protocol for connection issues so you are not penalised.
7) Copy-paste scripts
Initial low-signal request
“Thank you for the invitation. Could I have the agenda and timings in advance. Written copies of questions would help me give precise answers. A short break halfway would be ideal.”
Functional disclosure without labels
“I process best with written prompts and short pauses. For fairness, could we use on-screen questions, one at a time, with a five minute pause at 45 minutes.”
Rights-based request if required
“I have a long-term health condition covered by the Equality Act. To participate fairly I need written questions, a quiet room, and a short break at 45 minutes. Please confirm in writing who will arrange this.”
After the interview
“Thank you for today. For future stages, please note that a scheduled break at 45 minutes is necessary. Written questions worked well.”
8) Quick reference matrix
| Barrier | Low-signal ask | Backup if refused |
|---|---|---|
| Processing speed | Written questions | One question at a time |
| Working memory load | Agenda in advance | Permission to use notes |
| Sensory load | Quiet room | Remote interview |
| Fatigue | Halfway break | Split into two shorter blocks |
| Mobility | Accessible room and toilet | Remote interview |
| Continence | Guaranteed bathroom access | Flexible slot or remote interview |
| Hearing | Captions or loop system | Transcript and questions in writing |
| Vision | Large print and high contrast | Screen reader compatible tasks |
| Photosensitivity | Flicker-safe room | Printed materials and screen breaks |
| Numeracy | Calculator allowed | Explain reasoning verbally |
9) Evidence without oversharing
- Focus on functional impact rather than diagnosis details.
- Short notes that confirm needs can help if an employer is unsure. Keep it minimal.
- Adjustments passports or Access to Work information can support requests. You choose what to share.
10) If an adjustment is refused or missed
- Write a factual note the same day. Times, people present, what was agreed, what did not happen.
- Ask for feedback against criteria after the decision. Keep tone calm and short.
- Consider ACAS Early Conciliation if you plan to challenge. Time limits are short in many cases.
- You may use a Subject Access Request to obtain data held about your interview. Keep requests polite and targeted.
11) What is coming next
We will publish more around this topic in due course. Expect practical resources that go further than a single article and make it easier to put adjustments into practice.
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