In this guide
Career changes and transitions
Returning to work after illness: options, adjustments and support
Practical options for returning to an employer or job hunting after illness, how workplace adjustments work in the UK and US, and choices about disclosure.
Returning to the same employer
Acas describes return-to-work meetings as a chance to check you are ready, catch up on changes, agree any support and decide what colleagues are told. A phased return, building up hours or duties over a few weeks, is a common arrangement.
Points to agree before you return
- Your hours and duties for the first few weeks, and when they will be reviewed.
- Any changes to equipment, location or tasks that would help.
- Who your main contact is if something is not working.
- What, if anything, you want colleagues to know about your absence.
Job hunting after illness
A period of illness can be described briefly as a career break or as 'health reasons, now resolved'. You do not have to share medical details in a resume or interview. Focus the conversation on your readiness for this role and what you bring to it.
I took time out for health reasons, which are now well managed. During that time I [anything relevant, if you choose: a course, volunteering, keeping skills current]. I'm ready to return and particularly interested in this role because [specific reason].
Adjustments and accommodations
| Where | What exists |
|---|---|
| UK | Employers must make reasonable adjustments so disabled workers, including those with some long-term health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged; this can include a phased return or changes to the recruitment process |
| Great Britain | Access to Work can fund practical support, mental health support and communication support at interviews for eligible people; Northern Ireland has its own Access to Work scheme |
| US | The Americans with Disabilities Act requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless this would cause undue hardship |
Deciding whether to disclose
- You can disclose before interview, to ask for an adjustment to the recruitment process.
- You can disclose after an offer, to arrange adjustments before you start.
- You can choose not to disclose; some people prefer to wait until they know the employer.
- Whatever you decide, keep a record of any adjustment you ask for and the response.
Common questions
Do I have to tell a new employer about my illness?
Generally you can choose. Some roles have specific health requirements for safety reasons, and a few application processes ask about health after an offer; answer those questions honestly.
Can I ask for adjustments at interview?
Yes. Changes to the recruitment process, such as extra time or a different format, are a recognised type of adjustment in the UK and accommodation in the US.
Sources
- Acas: returning to work after absenceAcas · Great Britain · checked 3 October 2026
- Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditionsGOV.UK · Great Britain · checked 3 October 2026
- Access to WorkGOV.UK · Great Britain · checked 3 October 2026
- Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities ActUS Department of Justice (ADA.gov) · US · checked 3 October 2026
- Your employment rights as an individual with a disabilityUS Equal Employment Opportunity Commission · US · checked 3 October 2026
Put it into practice
Guidance by career stageDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.