Epilepsy Action calls for end to discrimination

The country’s leading epilepsy charity is demanding that company bosses confront their prejudices as figures show that unemployment rates among people with the condition are still unacceptably high. The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has joined Epilepsy Action in condemning the behaviour of employers who discriminate against people with epilepsy, despite the fact that they have a huge amount to offer in the workplace. The campaign is supported by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Amicus the union. Simon Wigglesworth, Epilepsy Action’s deputy chief executive, said: “Unemployment among disabled people is double the national average, and our findings suggest that the picture is even bleaker for people with epilepsy.” Epilepsy Action’s Epilepsy and Employment Survey found that 14% of respondents were unemployed but actively looking for work, significantly higher than the overall International Labour Organisation unemployment rate of 8.8% for disabled people. It also revealed that almost a half (47%) of respondents felt they had been discriminated against when applying for employment. In addition, 30% of respondents did not feel that the Disability Discrimination Act had helped them to find and keep a suitable job. Simon Wigglesworth continues: “These are depressing findings. Epilepsy is an invisible condition and, as such, it is still much misunderstood. A lot of employers and their employees seem to fear the consequences of someone having a seizure at work. However, many people with epilepsy are completely seizure-free on medication, while others have their seizures well controlled. People whose seizures are uncontrolled could still be a valuable member of staff with just a few minor adjustments in the workplace.” The charity suggests simple modifications like allowing an employee time to recover after seizures; allowing an employee to start and finish later than others if seizures occur a short time after waking; allowing an employee to work regular hours rather than shifts if seizures are aggravated by disrupted sleep patterns; and ensuring that all staff are educated about epilepsy. Agnes Fletcher, director of policy and communications at the DRC, said: “Employers risk missing out on talent and commitment if they refuse to recruit people with epilepsy. If they try to sack or otherwise discriminate against someone with epilepsy, they can face legal action.” Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: “Employers continue to treat disabled people unfairly. Trade unions support this campaign to challenge prejudice and correct ignorance – and to remind bosses that the law requires them not to discriminate.” Epilepsy Action has produced a series of resources as part of its campaign to improve employment opportunities for people with epilepsy, including two information booklets: ‘Employing people with epilepsy’ and ‘Work and epilepsy: an employee’s guide’. The former provides useful information for employers about Health and Safety laws, advice on reasonable adjustments and points to consider when doing a risk assessment. The latter covers issues such as current legislation, telling your employers that you have epilepsy and access to work. To request copies of the booklets call the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050. Both resources are also available online, as part of a new Employment section of Epilepsy Action’s website.