Employers discriminating against people with epilepsy came under fire from campaigners today.
The charity Epilepsy Action and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) criticised "the outdated attitudes" of some bosses after figures showed unemployment rates among people with the condition remain unacceptably high.
Epilepsy Action is urging employers to confront their prejudices as part of a campaign launched to mark National Epilepsy Week, between May 20 and 26.
The campaign is supported by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Amicus union.
Simon Wigglesworth, Epilepsy Action's deputy chief executive, said: "Unemployment among disabled people is double the national average, and our findings suggest that the picture is even bleaker for people with epilepsy."
A survey by the charity found 14% of respondents were unemployed but actively looking for work, significantly higher than the overall International Labour Organisation unemployment rate of 8.8% for disabled people.
Almost half (47%) of respondents to the Epilepsy and Employment Survey felt they had been discriminated against when applying for a job.
In addition, 30% did not think the Disability Discrimination Act had helped them to find and keep a suitable job.
One respondent commented: "I was interviewed for retail work but not offered the job as they said I might have a seizure in front of customers which was not desirable. My epilepsy determines my employment."
Further investigations carried out as part of an online survey revealed almost a third (32%) believe they have been discriminated against by their employer because of their epilepsy within the last two and a half years.
Mr Wigglesworth continued: "These are depressing findings. Epilepsy is an invisible condition and, as such, it is still much misunderstood.
"A lot of employers and their employees seem to fear the consequences of someone having a seizure at work.
"However, many people with epilepsy are completely seizure-free on medication, while others have their seizures well controlled. People whose seizures are uncontrolled could still be a valuable member of staff with just a few minor adjustments in the workplace."
The charity suggests simple modifications to working conditions like giving an employee time to recover after seizures; allowing an employee to start and finish later than others if seizures occur a short time after waking; offering an employee the flexibility to work regular hours rather than shifts if seizures are aggravated by disrupted sleep patterns; and ensuring that all staff are educated about epilepsy.
Agnes Fletcher, director of policy and communications at the DRC, said: "Employers risk missing out on talent and commitment if they refuse to recruit people with epilepsy. If they try to sack or otherwise discriminate against someone with epilepsy, they can face legal action."
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: "Employers continue to treat disabled people unfairly. Trade unions support this campaign to challenge prejudice and correct ignorance - and to remind bosses that the law requires them not to discriminate."
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions, affecting one in 131 people in the UK.
Around 70% of people could have their seizures controlled with optimal treatment.
Epilepsy Action has produced a series of resources as part of its campaign to improve employment opportunities for people with epilepsy, including two information booklets: Employing People with Epilepsy and Work and Epilepsy: an employee's guide.
The resources can be found online at www.epilepsy.org.uk/employment
Source: Press Association, 18/05/2007
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