Work
The rights of people with MS are covered by the Equality Act (which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in October 2010). This act protects people with MS from any form of discrimination from the point of diagnosis.
A key provision of the Act is that employers are expected to consider making 'reasonable adjustments' for staff with MS. There is no precise definition for what constitutes a 'reasonable adjustment' but examples include improving accessibility, changing working hours or supplying specialist equipment. In large organisations, the human resources or personnel department may be able to help.
MS Trust links
How might MS affect work
Case studies on managing multiple sclerosis in the workplace
Who to tell
Discussion of the issues involved in disclosing a diagnosis of MS to employers and colleagues.
At Work With MS
An MS Trust book to support people in the workplace who have MS.
Working with MS
An article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, written by the author of At Work With MS.
MS - my journey so far
An article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, that discusses how a diagnosis of MS affected the working life of someone in a hospital radiography department.
Transcript of the chatroom on work and MS
The chatroom was held in May 2011.
Sources of support
Work Life
A website launched by a group of disability charities, employment organisations, healthcare professionals and the Department of Work and Pensions to help people with long-term fluctuating health conditions remain in work.
Working Life Service
The Working Life Service is a service run by Neurosupport to help people affected by a neurological condition, to assist them in retaining a job, returning to work, job preparation or finding a meaningful alternative to work. The Employment section can help with employment and job seeking needs and the Neurolife section offers a series of short courses for personal development and can work to explore ways for people to move forward with life if employment is lost.
Work and MS
An MS Society publication that gives information for employees and employers on practical and legal issues. The book can be ordered or downloaded from the MS Society website.
Jobcentre Plus
As well as providing general help in finding work, Jobcentre Plus gives access to Disability Employment Advisers (DEA), who can give practical advice and support to both employees and employers to increase the chances of the employee keeping their job.
- Jobcentre Plus services for people with a disability - either in employment or seeking work
- Jobcentre Plus services for employers - to help them meet their obligations to employees with a disability
Shaw Trust
A national charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently.
Momentum Scotland
Not for profit organisation that helps people who might otherwise be excluded to gain the skills, training and experience that they need to find employment.
Employee's rights
Disability Law Service
National charity providing free, confidential legal advice about social welfare and disability discrimination law for people with a disability and their families.
Equal and Human Rights Commission
Independent body that, amongst other things, promotes equality of opportunity for people with a disability and challenges discrimination. Their website includes information on for both employees and employers. Has good guides to the provisions of the Equality Act for employers, employees and providers and users of services
Citizens Advice
Offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters and employment rights through a network of local Citizens Advice Bureaux.