Supporting Amputee Employees in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers

Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just good practice — it’s good business. For amputees, returning to or starting work can be a powerful step toward independence, purpose, and stability. As an employer, you play a key role in making that journey a positive one.

This guide outlines how to support amputee team members, what reasonable adjustments may be needed, and how government support — such as Access to Work — can help.

Understanding the Needs of Amputee Employees

Amputees may have different needs depending on:

The level and type of amputation (e.g. upper vs. lower limb)
Their prosthetic use and mobility
Pain or fatigue levels
Mental health or trauma related to limb loss
Work environment (office, remote, field-based, etc.)

It’s vital not to make assumptions — the best support begins with open, respectful communication.

Reasonable Adjustments You Might Consider

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers at work. Examples for amputees include:

Accessible entrances and workspaces (e.g., ramps, widened doorways)
Adapted desks or equipment (e.g., voice-controlled tech, footstools, standing desks)
Flexible working (e.g., hybrid hours or phased return to work)
Reallocation of certain manual tasks if they pose a physical risk
On-site support or assistance with transport and mobility

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a government-funded programme that can help cover the cost of workplace support for disabled employees, including amputees. It’s not means-tested and does not affect other benefits.

It can fund:

Specialised equipment (e.g., adapted chairs, software)
Travel to and from work (e.g., taxis if public transport isn’t accessible)
A support worker or job coach
Mental health support
Communication support for interviews or onboarding

How It Works:

Employee applies online via the gov.uk website.
An assessor contacts them to discuss their role and needs.
A support package is recommended — with funding potentially available for the employer to claim back.

Apply for Access to Work

Building a Culture of Inclusion

Support doesn’t stop with adjustments. To truly welcome and retain amputee staff:

Train your team on disability inclusion and etiquette
Celebrate awareness days or personal milestones
Offer regular check-ins to adapt support over time
Encourage peer support and visibility of role models

✅ Final Thoughts

Amputees bring a wide range of skills, experience, and resilience to the workplace. With the right support — and tools like Access to Work — there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

By leading with empathy and action, you’ll not only meet your legal duties — you’ll create a workplace that works better for everyone.