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Campaign 02 · Equal Treatment · 11 October 2026
Addiction and disability protection at work
Protect the person. Regulate the conduct. Manage the risk.
The change we are seeking
Civil Liberties Action calls for a government review and removal of the special substance-addiction exclusion in regulation 3 of the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010. The ordinary disability test would apply to individual circumstances.
This is a proposal for Great Britain, not a statement of current rights. The existing rule generally excludes substance addiction, with an exception for addiction originally resulting from medically prescribed drugs or other medical treatment. Other accompanying impairments can qualify separately.
A useful resource to share now
Our free Supporting recovery at work guide brings together practical steps for employers, workers and union representatives: a private conversation, access to appropriate help, safety assessment and a written support plan. It distinguishes good practice from legal entitlements and our reform proposal.
https://civillibertiesaction.org.uk/pages/supporting-recovery-at-work
Choose one action
- Share: link to the guide in a member newsletter, staff resource or public post.
- Discuss: have a short conversation with CLA about workplace barriers, useful evidence and the review request.
- Support: consider a joint request for government to review the exclusion, subject to agreement on wording.
We can provide the guide and briefing, concise newsletter copy and a focused campaign discussion. Sharing the practical guide does not require endorsement of every CLA position. We will describe an organisation as a supporter only with its agreement.
Reply to policy@civillibertiesaction.org.uk with the action that would be useful for your organisation.
Make one concrete request
Newsletter copy
Civil Liberties Action has published a free guide to supporting recovery at work, for employers, workers and union representatives. It covers confidential conversations, appropriate support and workplace safety, and separates today's legal position from CLA's proposed reform of the substance-addiction exclusion. Read and share the guide:
https://civillibertiesaction.org.uk/pages/supporting-recovery-at-work
Suggested request to government
Please review regulation 3 of the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010 against current evidence, consult people with relevant experience, employers and worker representatives, and consider removing the special substance-addiction exclusion while retaining the ordinary disability test and appropriate safety and conduct safeguards.
Build on work already under way
Alcohol Change UK called for removal of the alcohol-dependence exclusion in its June 2026 evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee. That is relevant existing advocacy, not an endorsement of CLA or an agreed partnership.
In its 15 September 2026 reply to the briefing submitted by CLA's founder, the Office for Equality and Opportunity said there were no current plans to amend the rules. CLA has published the reply and an October follow-up. The next useful step is a specific answer about the evidence underpinning the policy, rather than another general request for its current position.
Evidence and background
CLA policy briefing and five evidence notes
Alcohol Change UK written evidence FWD0026, June 2026
Government reply: 15 September 2026, reference TO2026/15083. CLA follow-up: 1 October 2026. Contact CLA for background.
Civil Liberties Action is a founder-led campaigning organisation, not a registered charity. Campaign contact: policy@civillibertiesaction.org.uk. Sources checked 11 October 2026.
This resource is free to read and share. You do not need to subscribe. For campaign enquiries: policy@civillibertiesaction.org.uk.
Source-linked tools for partners
Use the employer-policy comparison, employment-case register and local treatment data. Sources and limits travel with each download.