The information in this section is about epilepsy and working in the UK. If you live outside the UK, you can find out about working and epilepsy in your country by contacting your local epilepsy group.
In the UK the Equality Act and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) covers all areas of employment except the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Some jobs and careers, however, are governed by health regulations. An example of these is when a job requires someone to have been seizure free for a set period of time before applying for a post or training.
Some areas of employment have different health regulations, depending on whether someone has a history of epilepsy or whether their epilepsy begins while they are in post.
Jobs that are restricted by law
Some jobs that may be restricted because of health and safety regulations
- Aircraft pilot
- Ambulance driver
- Child minder
- Coastguard
- Divers
- Fire brigade
- LGV/PCV and taxi drivers
- Merchant seafarer
- Police
- Prison service
- Taxi driver
- Train driver
Some activities that could have special dangers for people whose seizures are not controlled
These include jobs which involve working:
- at unprotected heights
- near open water
- with high voltage or open circuit electricity
- with unguarded apparatus or machines
- on or near moving vehicles
- with chemicals, unguarded fires, ovens and hot plates
- on isolated sites
The advice here is very general. For more specific advice, contact the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
Epilepsy Action would like to thank Alastair Perry, Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, UK, for his contribution to this information.
Alastair Perry has no conflict of interest to declare.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated August 2012To be reviewed August 2014
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