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Employment and epilepsy FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions on employment and epilepsy.
I have just been diagnosed with epilepsy. Will I be able to get and keep a job?
Most people with epilepsy can do the jobs they want to, but this depends on a couple of things.
Firstly it depends on the job. Most jobs are open to people with epilepsy as all employers have to comply with the Equality Act 2010. This Act says that someone cannot be treated unfairly just because they have a disability. This means an employer cannot refuse to employ you just because you have epilepsy.
Secondly, it depends on your epilepsy. Employers have to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, and must keep all their employees safe. When looking at the job you would like to do, is there anything about your epilepsy that would make doing the job risky? For example, if you have seizures where you lose consciousness, working at heights would be too risky so certain jobs in the building trade might not be possible. If your seizures are controlled, then you may be at no more risk doing certain jobs than someone who doesn't have epilepsy.
There is more information on this on our employment pages.
My employer fired me when I had a seizure at work. What can I do?
The Equality Act 2010 aims to make sure that people with a disability are not treated unfairly compared to a person without a disability, just because of their disability and without a good reason.
If your employers know that you have epilepsy they need to find out if there is anything about your job that could put you, your colleagues or clients, at risk if you have a seizure. They then need to look at how any risks due to your seizures can be reduced. This is called making reasonable adjustments, so that you are not put at any disadvantage compared to your colleagues. If you have a seizure at work, then rather than just dismissing you, your employer needs to consider what other options are available to keep you at work. This might mean moving you to a different job until any risks due to your epilepsy can be identified, assessed and reduced.
There is more information on this on our employment pages.
There are many organisations that can help give you further information about the employment and discrimination, and what you can do.
© Epilepsy Society
Information updated in November 2012.
