Can my employer refuse permanent Work From Home?

The Current Landscape

Since the pandemic, many employers are enforcing “Return to Office” (RTO) mandates (e.g. 3 days a week). If you have a disability that makes travel or office environments difficult, you can ask for 100% WFH as a reasonable adjustment.

When Refusal is Risky for Employers

If you have successfully worked from home for 2+ years without performance issues, the employer has a very hard time proving that being in the office is “essential”.

• “Collaboration” argument: Employers often cite “culture” or “watercooler moments”. Tribunals are increasingly skeptical of this vague justification when weighed against disability health risks.

When Refusal is Valid

• Physical Roles: Cleaners, Security, Retail.
• Security: Handling highly classified physical documents.
• Training: Junior staff who need shadowing (though this can be hybrid).

How to Ask

Don’t just say “I want to stay home”. Explain the barrier: “The office lighting triggers my migraines,” or “The commute causes severe fatigue, leaving me unable to work.”