Can Your BC Employer Deny Your Accommodation Request?
Under the BC Human Rights Code, employers can only deny accommodation requests when they can prove undue hardship. Learn when denial is legitimate and when it's not.
## When Can a BC Employer Deny Accommodation?
Under the BC Human Rights Code, employers can only deny accommodation requests when they can prove "undue hardship." This is a high legal standard.
## Legitimate Reasons for Denial
- The cost would be prohibitively expensive relative to the organization's size
- The accommodation would create serious safety risks
- The accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the business
## Illegitimate Reasons for Denial
Employers cannot deny accommodation simply because it's inconvenient, other employees might be jealous, or they don't believe your condition is real.
## What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
1. Ask for the denial in writing with specific reasons
2. Consult with the BC Human Rights Tribunal
3. Consider filing a complaint
4. Ensure your medical documentation clearly supports your need
## Strengthening Your Case
A detailed accommodation letter from a CPSBC-registered physician makes it much harder for an employer to claim undue hardship. MedLetter provides comprehensive accommodation letters designed to support your workplace rights.