Working life

The Equality Act describes your rights in the workplace and when looking for employment. This Act protects people with MS (and other conditions) from any form of discrimination from the point of diagnosis. Although you may not feel comfortable with the label, a person with MS is legally categorised as 'disabled' from the point of diagnosis, which makes you potentially eligible for a range of benefits and support.

One of the key provisions of the Act is that employers are expected to consider making 'reasonable adjustments' for employees with MS. There is no precise definition for what constitutes a 'reasonable adjustment' but examples might include changing your working hours, allowing time off for medical appointments, ensuring you have regular breaks or a parking place close to the entrance, or providing a fan to prevent you suffering in the heat. Your employer should not charge you for these adjustments.

If the adjustments required to keep you comfortable at work are more costly than your employer would like, they can apply for a grant to cover the costs from the Access to Work service. This could also pay for taxis to get you to appointments comfortably, special equipment or adaptations to your workplace. You can also use this service if you are self-employed, to allow you to maintain your own business.

It can be very difficult to reduce your hours and job role because of MS whilst remaining in the same company. You can easily end up trying to do the same amount of work in half the time in order to try and prove you aren't any less part of the team.

You are not required to tell your employer about your condition unless there are specific health and safety risks, you drive as part of your job, or if you are in the armed forces. However adjustments cannot be made unless an employer has been told, and early disclosure can be vital if you are to get effective and support when you need it. In practice, many people with MS report that telling their employers early helped them stay working for longer.

I found sharing my diagnosis of MS with my work colleagues a great relief.

If you feel that you are suffering discrimination as a result of telling your colleagues about your MS, then you may wish to take legal advice. The Disability Law Service are specialists in supporting people with MS or other disabilities, and also their carers and families. They work in partnership with the MS Society and have a dedicated MS legal helpline.

Other helpful organisations include the following:

- The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) promotes equality of opportunity for people with a disability and challenges discrimination. If you think you might have been treated unfairly and want further advice you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service.

- Citizens Advice offer free and impartial advice on all aspects of life including work and discrimination. 

- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free and confidential advice to employers, employees and their representatives on employment rights, best practice and policies including disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments.

- Union representatives can offer direct support in the workplace. Find the union for your field through the TUC (Trades Union Congress).

- The Human Resources or Personnel department (if your workplace has one) should be able to help your employers with understanding their responsibilities under the Equality Act, and with making reasonable adjustments. You should keep in close contact with them when organising a phased return to work after an absence.