Monday, March 17, 2014

Epileptics face discrimination at work

Britain's many epileptics are regularly discriminated against at the office, new research shows.

One individual in 50 is affected with the problem, which in turn causes the brain's normal electrical activity to become all of a sudden interrupted, producing a seizure or fit.

Oftentimes you'll be able to keep fits in check with drugs plus some sufferers might have surgery to help ease signs and symptoms but nonetheless many bosses are reluctant to use them.

Laptop computer, carried out through the National Society for Epilepsy, revealed many sufferers don't get beyond the interview stage of the job after they have pointed out the problem. Others complained they lost their jobs, one their condition was known.

From the 2,000 epileptics quizzed, 54 percent felt that they experienced prejudice at the office as a result of the problem.

The society is placed to concentrate its attention on raising awareness that epilepsy do not need to be considered a bar to employment.

Hundreds of 1000's of booklets is going to be sent to companies, employees and job searchers giving an extensive help guide to epilepsy and work.

The leaflet includes research showing that normally, the 100,000 individuals with epilepsy at the office have less accidents than other employees, take less time off work work and also have good job loyalty records.

A minimum of 300,000 individuals the United kingdom have epilepsy.

One individual in 50 will build up the problem at a while within their existence and something in 20 have a single seizure.

The problem is either inherited or is a result of injuries or infection.

It may can start all ages, however it frequently begins at the start of existence. It's been associated with physical disability or mental handicap, but many kids with epilepsy have a similar intelligence and capabilities normally children.

If the mother or father has encounters of epilepsy their kids are in and the higher chances. Fortunately, epilepsy may be easily identified via a bloodstream test, X-ray, EEG (electroencephalogram) or brain scan.

Seizures can differ from small flutters from the eyelids or perhaps a momentary lapse in concentration to full convulsive seizures.

Epilepsy is given medication, which in 80 percent of cases is effective in managing seizures. New surgery has additionally been developed to alleviate the condition.

Greater than 70 percent of people that possess the surgery become completely seizure free, although not all epileptics are appropriate.

A speaker for that society stated: 'People with epilepsy need to tell companies they have epilepsy to ensure that the business can fulfil the Safety and health at the office Act. Failure to do this could be utilized for cause for dismissal.

'At what stage an individual mentions epilepsy before accepting any job provided to them, is an extremely individual decision.

'Some people prefer as well as their epilepsy whatsoever around the application because they think it might jeopardise their likelihood of receiving a job interview.

'Some people may state that the optimum time to say epilepsy is simply before accepting employment offer or perhaps a final interview.'

You will find a couple of jobs that are barred for those who have past epilepsy. They include jobs including flying and driving as well as the Military, fire or police service.

Some epileptics could also fight to secure employment in fields for example teaching, some regions of nursing, and dealing with youthful children, with respect to the importance of the condition.

If you wish to discover what kinds of work are appropriate for those who have epilepsy, free and private details are offered by The Use Medical Advisory Service (EMAS) on: 0541 545500.

Where you will find accusations of discrimination at the office due to epilepsy, the TUC and almost all trade unions should have the ability to help.

It's illegal to deal with disabled people less more positively than others, without justification.

The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act covers employment, use of goods, facilities and services, and purchasing or leasing land or property.

To learn more contact the Disability Discrimination Act Helpline on 0345 622633,

or even the National Society for Epilepsy's national helpline on 01494 601400.


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