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People with epilepsy dealing with discrimination at work will be able to use Epilepsy Action’s new service in partnership with law firm Slater and Gordon.
Those experiencing problems at work to do with their epilepsy will have the opportunity to access independent legal support by calling the Epilepsy Action helpline.
This new service partners with law firm Slater and Gordon to provide specialist solicitors that can offer legal advice for those in need of additional employment support.
According to the latest government data, only 33% of people with epilepsy are in employment. This is the second lowest employment rate of any disabled group in the UK.
Previous research from Epilepsy Action has shown that one in three people with epilepsy have been bullied at work and six in 10 say they have faced discrimination because of their condition.
Almost half of employers taking part in the research admitted they would be reluctant to recruit someone with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Action and Slater and Gordon will also work with employers to raise awareness, improve understanding of reasonable workplace adjustments and promote inclusive practices.
‘Losing my job was devastating’
Louise* has faced problems at work because of her epilepsy. After moving to the UK to build a new life and career, the 34-year-old was offered her first teaching role after completing a master’s degree in education.
But just weeks later, she was sacked after having a seizure at work, and told she should have declared her epilepsy on her job application.
Louise said: “I didn’t mention my epilepsy because I was scared I wouldn’t be given a chance, as that has always been how things have gone for me in the past.
“Losing my job was devastating and it still affects me now. You try to move on, but it knocks your confidence and makes you question your worth.”
Louise said she could have really benefitted from something like the new service from Epilepsy Action.
“I think this partnership is such a brilliant idea. Having that kind of support would have made a huge difference to me at the time – just knowing someone understood and could stand up for me.
“I’d hate for anyone else to go through what I did and it’s reassuring to know that now people have somewhere to turn for help and hope.”
"People with epilepsy should be supported in every way possible in the workplace, and employment law exists to give them the protections they need and deserve. We are very pleased to partner with Epilepsy Action to ensure our specialist advice can reach as many people as possible and enable them to be confident and thrive in their careers."
Peter Byrne, head of employment at Slater and Gordon
“Be confident and thrive”
Kathryn Hughes, helpline and support services manager at Epilepsy Action, said stories like Louise’s show why this new legal lifeline is so important.
She said: “Too many people with epilepsy are still being overlooked or pushed out of work through no fault of their own. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive – not just survive – in their job.
“This partnership with Slater and Gordon will give people the confidence to stand up for their rights, and support employers to build fairer more inclusive workplaces.”
Peter Byrne, head of employment at Slater and Gordon, added: “People with epilepsy should be supported in every way possible in the workplace, and employment law exists to give them the protections they need and deserve.
“We are very pleased to partner with Epilepsy Action to ensure our specialist advice can reach as many people as possible and enable them to be confident and thrive in their careers.”
To find out more about the service or access support, contact the Epilepsy Action Helpline online or by calling 0808 800 5050.
*Name has been changed to protect identity
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