At work with MS: managing life and work
Open Door - August 2007 page 10
It is estimated that within ten years of onset, 50-80% of people with MS are likely to be unemployed and that this is usually for reasons other than disability. On receiving a diagnosis of MS there may be many questions about work - Do I tell my employer and, if so, when? Can I continue working? What adjustments will I need? It can sometimes be difficult to see a way forward with work when dealing with a new diagnosis of MS or experiencing a major relapse.
The MS Trust has produced At work with MS, a book to support people in the workplace who have MS. This includes experiences from the people who took part in the research carried out by Gail Townsend featured on the previous page.
The book considers some of the ways in which MS might affect work, the protection afforded under the Disability Discrimination Act and what adjustments can be made for a successful working life, for example being flexible about hours, incorporating more breaks into the day or considering how a job is structured.
"You have spent a lot of time working and training for the job that you do. MS doesn't take away all that you have learned. With MS you have to find other ways to use the skills and knowledge that you have."
We have tried to include different viewpoints, and where there may seem to be conflict, for example disclosing diagnosis, we hope to have shown that there is more than one way of looking at things.
"Keep at it and don't disclose that you have MS until you really feel that you need to."
"I found sharing my diagnosis of MS with my work colleagues a great relief."
At work with MS considers the support available to both the person with MS and the employer. The role of the Disability Employment Advisor, accessed via Jobcentre Plus, in ensuring that adjustments are relevant and effective is highlighted.
The experiences featured in the book underscore a strong sense of the importance of driving forward workplace changes that will maintain or enhance performance,
"You are the expert on your MS and need to lead the way to resolve issues."
and of maintaining dialogue, particularly at times of change either at work or with MS.
"I have found it is essential to open the lines of communication with your manager to talk to you about what you can do."
We hope the book will be useful and relevant so that people can dip into it at different times as required and continue to develop a successful working life.
"Remember that you were a valuable asset to the workforce before diagnosis and that hasn't changed."
- Read, order or download At work with MS (UK only)
- The MS Trust Information Service is happy to supply information about MS for employers and colleagues at work.
- Read the transcript from our chatroom on employment and MS
Join the Open Door mailing list to receive your own copy through the post (UK addresses only) or by email.
