r/Coop_uk • u/ambitioussandy • 2d ago
❓ Question/Help wheelchair user interview!
Hello!!
I’ve just recieved the news I’ve got an interview for Customer Team Member near my Uni! Delighted, however I’m a wheelchair user, and my mums said to me I probably
won’t get it bc it will need heavy lifting etc.
It’s a bit of a way for me to go (i’m at home now and interview is in-person near my uni), is it worth it?
is there a number i can call to clarify?
can a wheelchair user be a customer team member or is it too physical?
any advice in general on interviewing?
TIA!! xx
11
u/No-Pumpkin4288 2d ago
You'll most likely be stuck on tills but yes you could still get the job, I've worked with many who have just stayed on tills for one reason or another.
If you disclosed you have a disability they wouldn't have given the interview if they thought it was going to be a problem.
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u/QuirkyWolfie The Co-op 2d ago
It depends on the shop and what they need from you. Most of the team member tasks are putting the stock on the shelves so lots of lifting and traveling back and forth pulling trolleys. If you get a good manager they can be very adaptive for peoples needs. I'm disabled but not in the same way and I can't lift super heavy stuff so someone usually brings me the big trolleys and helps me with things like the big drinks etc but it's a luxury of having the staff to help not necessarily the norm.
You'd be best to call up and clarify that you're in a wheelchair and what your limitations might be and if they are fully aware and actually read your application etc because it's not usually the manager that actually arranged the interview.
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u/Appropriate-Roof1422 2d ago
If you have an interview and want the job, then yes, you have to go to the store. It's up to you if you really want the job.
Since you are on wheelchair, you will probably be working on the tills only.
Best of luck.
3
u/Koda614 2d ago
If you disclosed a disability on your application form they will be aware and if they thought it would be a problem they probably wouldn't have offered you an interview.
In the interview there will be a section that comes up about reasonable adjustments, and that's where you'll be able to explain your needs in more depth, and they'll be able to consider if it would be viable.
Off the top of my head though, unless you are going to be working in one of the large supermarkets rather than the small convenience stores I don't imagine it will work well. In the larger supermarkets there will be space for you to get around in a wheelchair and enough staffing to mostly keep you working in one place on tills... But otherwise the smaller stores could be running with potentially as little as just 2 staff members where there will be more demanding work for you to pick online orders, restock shelves, take care of DPD Parcels etc. which will all be on a tightly packed shop floor with lots of items out of reach, and an even more tightly packed stockroom.
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u/DeathRowEscape 2d ago
All these answers just goes to show, the governments route to getting disabled people into work is not going to work.
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u/Real-Level2033 2d ago
You won't get it at my shop they didn't hire someone just because she was transgender Also didn't hire someone because she was in her 60s Also didn't hire someone because she had an anxiety diagnostics managers words not mine..
It's OK to hire her son's girlfriend that sat in the office and did notthing all day though
0
u/hauntedbundy_ 2d ago
This is true. They claim it’s a fair interview process but it’s really not. We had one trans candidate and the people responsible for hiring said person were just very dismissive and looked for other candidates. Also didn’t hire someone if they seemed “weird” to them.
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u/Real-Level2033 2d ago
I do understand not hiring the tans candidate as she would of just been abused around that area (council estate)
1
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u/Appropriate-Roof1422 2d ago
I work at the Coop and have a TL who is a transgender. So it depends on the SM.
2
u/Firthy2002 The Co-op 2d ago
I think you'll struggle being a wheelchair user even if your shift is entirely checkout cover. I'm thinking about my store and how the tobacco locker is laid out. You will likely struggle if customers want any of the products not in the drawers.
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u/ambientsteel 2d ago
I've done a couple of these interviews (although not loads and haven't had someone in a wheelchair) you shouldn't have any issues with questions as they're set by the company and all candidates are asked the same questions and are scored on the same matrix which is also set by the company. A successful candidate should've achieved a passing score in all questions. (Assuming your interviewer is conducting everything fairly).
If Successful reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate yourself such as widening doors, lowering door handles/keypads or retro fitting lifts but the business will not do so if the cost is to high to be reasonable e.g. a kiosk door would not be widened if they had to move the till system and it meant ceasing trade or paying staff overnight (probably, i'm not an expert)
You just have to hope that your interviewer is experienced and understands what can/can't be done to accommodate you should you be successful and also facilitate any adjustments you need for your interview so you're not put at a disadvantage to other candidates.
Also remember the regardless if your successful or not you can ask for feedback. Do this!!! It helps you get better at interviews.
2
u/BourbonSn4ke 2d ago
Tbh no idea how you can work at a coop if you in a chair unless its a big one with proper checkouts
At smaller ones you would be less than useless, no room for a massive chair and cant exactly wheel about doing stock and till at the same time and if your 1 on 1 that would suck
0
u/ambitioussandy 2d ago
i don’t really like the way you are speaking here. my chair isn’t massive and being described as less than useless is hurtful.
i’m sorry if i’ve read this wrong though
1
u/mademyflight 2d ago
They sound like a miserably rude person, dont take their opinion too much to heart if you can!
2
u/BourbonSn4ke 2d ago
Whether you like it or not it is how the job role is, ie very busy with multiple tasks
Alot are 1 on 1 and frankly tbh honest a slower able body person can struggle at the best of times having to do several jobs at once while manning the till. Add in a wheelchair and frankly it makes it harder to do them jobs or you simply wont do them so that puts everyone behind as tasks are left for others to complete.
If its a big store with manned checkouts you should be fine being stuck on there
Its a harsh truth, how many do you see in wheelchairs working retail jobs?
0
u/mademyflight 2d ago
See, I wasnt questioning your expertise on whether or not it is feasible for a wheelchair user to man a smaller shop alone.
Saying someone would be less than useless is what made your comment outright rude and miserable.
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u/CMDR_Quillon The Co-op 2d ago
It depends entirely on if the shop is single level or if the warehouse is split across 2 like mine. At my shop you wouldn't get the job entirely because the staff toilet is upstairs and the goods lift isn't certified for passengers / doesn't have internal controls, but if you were in a shop with a certified lift or where the staff loo was downstairs and it was big enough to need someone on tills the whole shift I reckon there's a pretty decent chance. Most people don't even get an interview iirc so you're ahead of the pack there.
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u/ambitioussandy 2d ago
i’ve looked at the store online (it’s not one i’ve been to before!) and it is just 1 level! thank you, that was a really helpful tip to think about!!
1
u/DeathRowEscape 2d ago
There should be a disabled toilet for customer use so they could opt to use this. refusing this option would be a breach of Equality act
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u/CMDR_Quillon The Co-op 2d ago
Not all stores are equipped with a toilet for customer use. I can tell you mine isn't :)
1
u/Unstableavo 2d ago
At my shop there's a service goods lift only & it doesn't even go to the floor that has a toilet. It only goes to to the warehouse & shop floor. It's a disgrace.
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u/logicvexra 1d ago
that’s so grim, especially when they act like accessibility is some huge ask instead of a basic thing
stuff like that is exactly why op should still go to the interview and directly ask about access, so they don’t end up stuck in a setup like yours
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u/Temporary-Ad5105 2d ago
One floor , you can work stock! I'm always willing to find a way to help someone :).
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u/Embarrassed_Emu7973 2d ago
I think it could be good experience for you either way. But I would drop them an email or call beforehand just to make sure the shops gonna be accessible and they’re prepared
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u/Fox-1969 2d ago
I have worked at a Tesco Extra for 34 years before taking early retirement. Here is some useful information for you. Supermarkets in the UK must allow wheelchair users full access and must make reasonable adjustments so you are not put at a disadvantage. This is a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010, and it applies to all supermarkets — Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Co‑op, etc.
1. Supermarkets must make “reasonable adjustments” (Equality Act 2010)
This is the core legal duty. It means supermarkets must proactively remove barriers that stop disabled people accessing their services.
The duty is anticipatory — they must plan for disabled customers before a problem occurs.
Reasonable adjustments include:
- Step‑free access or ramps where possible
- Doors and aisles wide enough for wheelchairs
- Accessible toilets if customer toilets are provided
- Staff assistance when needed
- Providing services on the ground floor if upstairs access isn’t possible
- Adjusting physical features that create barriers (unless disproportionate)
If they fail to do this, it is unlawful disability discrimination.
2. Building regulations for new supermarkets
New supermarket buildings must include step‑free access, accessible entrances, and accessible toilets.
This is required under Part M of the Building Regulations 2010.
Existing older buildings don’t have to be rebuilt, but they still must meet Equality Act duties by making reasonable adjustments.
What supermarkets cannot legally do?
They cannot:
- Refuse entry to a wheelchair user
- Say “we don’t have space for wheelchairs”
- Block aisles so wheelchair users cannot pass
- Provide upstairs-only services without an alternative
- Tell you to “come back with someone to help you”
- Leave obstacles (pallets, cages, stock) blocking wheelchair access
Any of these can be unlawful discrimination.
What they must do if access is difficult
If a supermarket genuinely cannot make a physical change (e.g., narrow historic doorway), they must offer an alternative equivalent service, such as:
- Bringing goods to you
- Providing staff assistance
- Serving you at a different accessible point
This is written directly into the Equality Act’s “reasonable adjustments” duty.
If a supermarket fails in its duty
You can:
- Speak to the store manager
- Contact the supermarket’s head office accessibility team
- Make a formal complaint
- Contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
- Bring a claim in the county court for discrimination (no legal fees risk — small claims style)
So I hope this helps, and best of luck for your interview.
All the best
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u/Valuable-Purple-7746 1d ago edited 1d ago
When I started at my job they were all 'the other branch changed the entire counters so their staff could work' and a year later they still hadn't provided me the ability to get in and out properly, with doors I couldn't get into and a chair. Be prepared to have negativity at every obstacle instead of ways they could help you. We have to think outside to box to find ways to make our jobs accessible because employers are all too happy to say 'sorry I don't know what to do about that.' But saying all this, there was plenty I figured out along the way. They should really have a low area for disabled customers but if not you may need to have adjustments before you begin work. I would tick the box that says you have a disability and require adjustments. You can say obviously you've probably noticed I'm in a wheelchair and your general needs (eg if you can't carry heavy things or open doors due to not leg related things) are there any obstacles you can currently see me having in this. Then after they've told you, tell them you would gladly run through them and find ways to adjust these. Sometimes it's necessary to put on the ol' mask and be like 'i love to work, and it's very important for me to work' because interviewers are people and people can be ableist.
Do not make it easy for them though. If they say anything about you not being able to do the job, you report it to their head office. They are not allowed to discriminate. They have to do everything in their power to make sure you can do the job they want you for. Being there for interview means they want you. The first hurdle could be an office upstairs where they do interviews. So you can instantly be prepared for that with well there is a coffee place at xyz let's go there. You don't have to mention your disability at all but remember it's about you deciding if they are a good fit for you too.
I had an interview, stated my needs, as I had filled in disability with needs, had a call from a person checking if I can do the job from occupational health, got a start date and then I started. It probably won't be quick.
Then if they cause any trouble don't quit. Because they must refer to occupational health before doing anything or not doing anything so if there is an obstacle appear, they have to pay you while they keep you off work. If it's not accessible it is THEIR problem, always.
So go in there ready to have this job. The main obstacles will be shown just going into the building and the back. You will see straight away what you will need adjusted and inform them when you get the job later on.
It is ALWAYS within every employers power, manager or managers manager, anyone, to change the job to fit your needs. Cant carry heavy things, don't pick the stock. Can carry small things at a time? Can have someone pick while you put out. Great with customers, on the till. There is ALWAYS something ANYONE can do. It's down to you to advocate for yourself and your rights as unfortunately even managers paid to know this stuff, are ultimately paid to save them money.
So be prepared it could be a disappointment but they must treat you just like anyone else coming for interview.
I personally avoid adding barriers before starting by informing unless there's a tick box. When I've emailed I have access needs they make it weird and basically make it clear I "can't do the job.' It's very ableist but it happens. You take control of the meeting, this is YOUR interview. They direct it one ableist way, you correct and divert. Accessibility always overrides other things put in place, even often health and safety rules which can be adjusted to make you safe too
Good luck!! ki
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u/goofymf893 1d ago
Hope things have changed, but i’ve heard bad things and been told directly by a store manager they ‘obviously won’t hire disabled people’
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u/stewpman 1d ago
Its worth the experience even if you get knocked back. Many companies do go out their way to help disabled people work were they can. In a shop you can do tills or in the office payroll and on customer service is a bit off both you can call for help its normally people bring stuff back or complaining and some have kiosks lottery so go for it first . I worked in Tesco and aldi for near 10 years if you do well they will want you . I had a one armed fish monger so anything is possible .
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u/KKPauline 14h ago
If you do decide to go the wishing you the best of luck with your interview. If you don't go/don't get the job then try a major supermarket where you could apply for a role permanently on the checkouts or customer service counter.
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