Work
It is estimated that within five years of diagnosis, 70-80% people with MS are likely to be unemployed. This is not, by and large, related to any physical disability. With diagnosis usually in the 20s and 30s, when career, finance and family commitments are often being made, this represents a waste of talent and opportunity, for the individuals themselves, their families and for society.
The rights of people with MS are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). In December 2005, this act was extended to protect people with MS from any form of discrimination from the point of diagnosis.
A key provision of the DDA 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
- 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 employment and MS
- The chatroom was held in September 2007.
Other sources of information
- Working with 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
- Employment Opportunities
- A national charity that helps find ways into employment for people with a disability or medical condition.
- 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
- Point of Diagnosis
- Provides information for people with multiple sclerosis about the extension of protection from discrimination, effectively from the point of diagnosis.
- 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.
- Disability Rights Commission
- Independent body that promotes equality of opportunity for people with a disability and challenges discrimination. Their website includes information on for both employees and employers.
- 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.