Trad UK

April’s Epilepsy Star Award is awarded to a workplace that have gone an extra mile for their colleague with epilepsy. Trad UK Hire & Sales Leeds were nominated by Rosie who says they have provided her with support, care and a judgement-free workplace since she started working there five years ago. Rosie says her team are the only colleagues she has had that genuinely care about her, and tells us why she wanted to give them this award:

“When I began working, as someone with epilepsy, I was so nervous about getting the support I need. I didn’t really know what to expect.

“I started working at Trad UK five years ago in an admin role. From the beginning, they never judged me in any way, and were happy to support me into the role, even with my epilepsy.

“The team has made so many adjustments for me and they always check I’m doing okay. If I need extra breaks, or a bit of time away from the computer, they are happy to do this. If I am feeling unwell or just want to talk to someone regarding my epilepsy, they are always there for me.

“I have an Epilepsy Action plan I keep on my desk, so if I do have a seizure they know what to do, and also have my contact details for next of kin. They know what the signs are if I’m about to have a seizure, and if I’m looking unwell they’ll check if I’ve taken my medication.

“I have had quite a few seizures at work, and some have caused injuries. On one occasion, I had a seizure which led to me falling into a cupboard. I had to have many stitches in my face, broke my nose and stayed in hospital for a few days. During this time, the management team called me every day to see how I was and told me to only return to work when I was ready.

“A few months ago, I had a seizure in the gym which caused really bad anxiety, and I wouldn’t leave the house unless I was with my partner who also supports me a lot. Due to this, work made a plan for me. They gave me time to rest and get my head round things. Then they provided me with a laptop so I could do work at home.

“When I started feeling better, the management team didn’t ask me to come back into the office straight away. They gently eased me in, starting with two days in the office, then three and so on. They kept checking I was okay and that I wasn’t too stressed, or work getting on top of me. They have also put a system in place so I am not alone in a room for a long period of time.

“It feels amazing knowing I don’t have to hide my condition. They don’t get annoyed if I need something explaining a little further, or if I re-ask the same questions.

“No doubt due to all of their support over the past few years, I have now been promoted to senior admin. I felt so happy that someone believed in me and has actually given me a chance. This means a lot to me, and I couldn’t have done it without their support.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Trad UK Leeds, but especially to Michael McLoughlin and Stewart Quinn who have always been there to help me and given me support when needed. Epilepsy is not an easy condition to live with, but having you guys there when I need it, is amazing.”

Rebekah Smith, Chief executive officer at Epilepsy Action said “We are so pleased to give Trad UK this month’s Epilepsy Star Award. The support and care they provide for Rosie is amazing, and what every person with epilepsy deserves in the workplace.

“Sadly we hear from many people who experience discrimination and poor treatment in the workplace, so it was fantastic to hear how Trad UK are setting a brilliant example and showing exactly what is possible. Even the smallest adjustments for a person with epilepsy can mean the difference between them being able to work or not. For example, hybrid working options, flexible hours, extra breaks, can all make a big impact.

“We hope that other employers will see the impact Trad UK’s support for Rosie has had, and be inspired to make changes for people with epilepsy in their workplaces too.”