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Work

The rights of people with MS are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). In December 2005, this act was extended to protect people with MS from any form of discrimination from the point of diagnosis.

A key provision of the DDA is that employers are expected to consider making 'reasonable adjustments' for staff with MS. There is no precise definition for what constitutes a 'reasonable adjustment' but examples include improving accessibility, changing working hours or supplying specialist equipment. In large organisations, the human resources or personnel department may be able to help.

MS Trust links

At Work With MS
An MS Trust book to support people in the workplace who have MS.
Working with MS
An article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, written by the author of At Work With MS.
MS - my journey so far
An article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, that discusses how a diagnosis of MS affected the working life of someone in a hospital radiography department.
Transcript of the chatroom on employment and MS
The chatroom was held in September 2007.

Other sources of information

Work Life
A website launched by a group of disability charities, employment organisations, healthcare professionals and the Department of Work and Pensions to help people with long-term fluctuating health conditions remain in work.
Working Life Service
The Working Life Service is a service run by Neurosupport to help people affected by a neurological condition, to assist them in retaining a job, returning to work, job preparation or finding a meaningful alternative to work. The Employment section can help with employment and job seeking needs and the Neurolife section offers a series of short courses for personal development and can work to explore ways for people to move forward with life if employment is lost.
Working with MS
An MS Society publication that gives information for employees and employers on practical and legal issues. The book can be ordered or downloaded from the MS Society website.
Jobcentre Plus
As well as providing general help in finding work, Jobcentre Plus gives access to Disability Employment Advisers (DEA), who can give practical advice and support to both employees and employers to increase the chances of the employee keeping their job.
Employment Opportunities
A national charity that helps find ways into employment for people with a disability or medical condition.
Momentum Scotland
Not for profit organisation that helps people who might otherwise be excluded to gain the skills, training and experience that they need to find employment.

Employee's rights

Disability Law Service
National charity providing free, confidential legal advice about social welfare and disability discrimination law for people with a disability and their families.
Equal and Human Rights Commission
Independent body that, amongst other things, promotes equality of opportunity for people with a disability and challenges discrimination. Their website includes information on for both employees and employers.
Citizens Advice
Offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters and employment rights through a network of local Citizens Advice Bureaux.