job hunting

The majority of people who have epilepsy gain employment in the competitive job market. Getting a job depends on what you have to offer a prospective employer. Qualifications, experience and attitude should be of more importance to a potential employer than whether or not you have epilepsy. However, there are many myths about epilepsy, and it is important to be prepared to counter any prejudice with facts and information.

the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The Act defines a disabled person as someone with a physical or metal impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect of their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

The employment provisions of the Act aim to protect people from discrimination in the field of employment. Employers must not discriminate against a disabled person in:

Recruitment and retention of employees
Promotion and transfers
Training and development
The dismissal process

They must also make ‘reasonable changes’ to their premises or employment arrangements, if these substantially disadvantage a disabled employee, or prospective employee, compared to a non-disabled person.

However, you will not be covered, or able to claim discrimination under the terms of the Act until you disclose your disability to the employer. It should also be noted that the Act only covers employers with 15 or more employees.

choosing appropriate employment

When seeking employment, it is important to consider your qualifications, skills, interest and experience alongside any restrictions imposed by epilepsy.

assistance is available from:

Careers Advisors Usually the point of contact for school leavers. Each local office has a Special Needs Advisor who has specialist knowledge about disability and employment.

Disability Service Teams (DST) These are a part of the Employment Service, which is the Government Department that deals with job seekers. The teams assist people with disabilities to find and sustain employment. There are a number of aspects of service that are offered by the DST or are based within their local offices.

Disability Employments Advisors (DEA) DEA’s are based in local Job Centres. They are trained in disability issues relating to employment and can provide an advice and employment counseling service, particularly in relation to accessing schemes such as Access to Work and Supported Employment Programme.

Technical Consultants/Support The Technical Consultant offers specialist advice about any aids or adaptations required for someone in or entering employment.

Occupational Psychologist Based within the DST, the Occupational Psychologist can offer a full physical and psychological assessment in relation to employment. The individual concerned works with the Psychologist through this process and has full access to any relevant reports.

the employability forum

The Forum is a partnership of locally based organizations, which provide a range of services to people with disabilities and employers. Member organizations can provide a range of the following:

Individualized employment counselling
Training
Assistance in finding suitable work
In work support, including acting as a professional link to employers
The Forum help-line can be contacted for details about supports that are available in your area.

applying for jobs

The most important thing to remember is that you should apply for jobs that match your skills and abilities. Think carefully about the following points:

Will my epilepsy affect my ability to do this job?
What adaptations might I benefit from?
Would my work colleagues need some awareness training?
What assistance is available to me to assist in organizing adaptations?

Find out the answers to these questions. When interviewed you will then be in a position to inform and possibly educate the employer. This shows that you have given some thought to the duties of the post and have taken time to prepare.

when to disclose your epilepsy

Some application forms still ask for details of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to undertake the job. Many people are wary about disclosing their epilepsy at this stage. If you are unhappy disclosing details of your epilepsy on the form you could:

Leave the space blank and provide details later on in the process

Enclose details on an additional sheet in a sealed envelope, stating that this was confidential medical information, only to be viewed as appropriate, e.g. if interview or job offer to be made.

State that you have a disability that you would be prepared to discuss further at interview.

Remember, until you disclose your epilepsy, you may not be covered by the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act.

offer of employment

It is strongly advised that you disclose details of your epilepsy once an offer of employment has been given and certainly when you start work. Not disclosing details of your epilepsy to appropriate people may have health and safety implications.

keeping a job

If your epilepsy affects your ability to do your job, or you encounter prejudice, do inform your employer and seek help from an appropriate source: Trade Union, Epilepsy West Lothian or Disability Team.

insurance

Under the Employers’ Liability Act, employers have to insure against liability for injury and disease that might affect their employees at work. The Act covers all employees. Most insurance companies cover disabled workers in their Employers’ Liability policies on the same terms as any able-bodied worker, provided the employer has taken the disability into account when allocating work.

publications

Disability Discrimination Act 1995’ available from: DDA Information Line FREEPOST MID02164, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BR Tel: 0345 622 633 Textphone: 0345 622 644 (local rate)

‘Make it work – A guide to specialist services for disabled people’ Employment Service Publication (Ref DS2)

‘Access to Work – Information for disabled people’ Employment Service Publication (Ref DS4)

useful contacts

Employment Service

19 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TU Tel: 01506 772700

Unit 15 & 16B, Almondvale South Livingston EH54 6NQ Tel: 01506 772600

Intowork West Lothian

Braid House, Labrador Avenue, Livingston EH54 6BU Tel 01506 44310

Careers Development

25 North Bridge Street, Bathgate Tel: 01506 630529

Pentland House, Almondvale South, Livingston Tel: 01506 434249