At Work With MS At diagnosis
Can work continue?
On receiving a diagnosis of MS, family, friends and even health care professionals might give advice to stop working. This could be because they do not understand the nature of MS or because they want to protect you from stress.
Even though many people with MS never experience symptoms severe enough to stop them working, studies have estimated that within five years of diagnosis 70-80% are likely to be unemployed. This is very often not related to any physical disability. People who make big changes or leave the workforce on diagnosis or at the first major relapse may regret doing so.
"I reduced my working hours for two years after I was diagnosed - this was done within 24 hours of requesting it. It took me two years of continual requests to increase my hours back to full time when I was ready - this was very stressful."
During a relapse or at diagnosis symptoms may appear to be overwhelming and it can be difficult to see the way ahead. Decisions made in a crisis may not provide the best long-term solutions and it is advisable to wait until the crisis is over to explore fully all the options available to you. Whilst you may not be able to see the way forward, other people will have a different perspective; seek advice from someone knowledgeable about MS before you make any major decisions, for example your MS specialist nurse.
Will MS affect employment rights?
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) protects anyone who has been diagnosed with MS, from the time of diagnosis (whether or not they are currently experiencing symptoms) against unfair treatment and direct discrimination in the workplace where this is related to their condition. One of the key provisions of the legislation is that employers are expected to consider making 'reasonable adjustments' to tasks or premises 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. [See What adjustments can be made? page 14]
"When first diagnosed the consultant neurologist suggested, 'Don't take major decisions till you have got used to it.' This was really good advice."
Who needs to be told?
People with a driving licence who have been diagnosed with MS must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They will send you a questionnaire to assess the impact of MS on driving performance. The DVLA may need to talk to your doctor about your condition. If there is no medical reason to prevent someone driving, a full licence will be retained. If your job requires you to drive, for example if you drive a heavy goods vehicle or passenger transport, you must inform your employer.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act you do not have to inform an employer unless you are in the armed forces or you work on a plane or ship. However some employment contracts specifically request that you tell your employer and so it is important that you check.