Work and epilepsy – an employee’s guide

This information is of general use in epilepsy and employment. However, references to regulations apply to people in the UK only. If you live outside the UK, then more information about epilepsy and employment where you are will be available from your local epilepsy organisation.

Introduction

Many people with epilepsy work, and nearly all jobs are open to people with the condition.

If you have epilepsy, employers should assess you on an individual basis for your suitability to do any job. This would include things such as whether you have the qualifications, skills and experience to do the job, as well as the type and frequency of your seizures and how this may have an effect on the job you wish to do.

By law, employers cannot refuse you a job simply because you have epilepsy, unless they have very good reasons for doing so.

This section looks at some of the issues that you may wish to consider when looking for a new job. It also provides useful information for people with epilepsy who are already in employment.

In this section