5th May 2010

New website helps people remain in work

A new website is being launched by a group of disability charities, employment organisations, healthcare professionals and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to help people with long-term fluctuating health conditions remain in work. Work Life has been funded by the DWP and developed by the MS Society for those affected by long-term fluctuating conditions, employers and health care and work professionals.

Leonie Martin was diagnosed with MS while working as an office manager. She was forced to take early retirement on the grounds of ill health.

Leonie said:

“After being diagnosed I wasn’t given any advice regarding how or when to tell my employer and colleagues, or what my rights were. Consequently, I tried to play down my difficulties and ended up becoming more and more anxious. If I had known that many of the problems I was experiencing at work, like fatigue and concentration, were due to my MS I wouldn’t have ended up on a downward spiral that culminated in my having to finish work.”

‘A day in the life’ of an employee covers every issue that someone could face whilst trying to stay in work. Information for employers outlines the benefits of employing and retaining staff members with long-term health conditions, and advises on what reasonable adjustments can be made in the workplace.

Information for professionals highlights the difficulties that may be faced by someone with a fluctuating condition and contains useful information for professionals to better help their patients and clients to remain in work.

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