It is an individual decision, whether or not to disclose a disability. There is no obligation to do so. However, telling your employer about your epilepsy could be a positive action that can empower and protect you in the workplace.
Do I need to tell my employer about my epilepsy?
No, there is no obligation for you to tell your employer about your epilepsy. It could be the case that your epilepsy doesn't impact you in the workplace. However, if you haven't told your employer about your epilepsy, then you cannot ask for support in the workplace. If you would like to use the Access to Work scheme, then you need to tell your employer about your epilepsy. I can support you to do this.
Why would I tell my employer about my epilepsy?
If you would like to use the Access to Work scheme, we need to provide a workplace contact. This means telling your employer about your epilepsy, which I can support you to do.
Also, if your employer doesn’t know about your epilepsy, they can’t make any reasonable adjustments to help you. Reasonable adjustments are legal duties which exist to help and protect those who choose to disclose their epilepsy to their employer. They are changes that should be made to avoid putting somebody with a disability at a disadvantage compared to somebody without a disability. These may relate to working arrangements or any physical aspect of the workplace.
Can my employer tell my colleagues about my epilepsy?
Your employer can only tell people about your epilepsy, with your permission and a signed consent form from you. They cannot tell other people about your epilepsy if you do not consent for them to do so.
When should I tell my employer about my epilepsy?
When you decide on telling your employer about your epilepsy is up to you. You could do this before you start the job, or at any point whilst you are employed with them.
If you haven't already, and would like support in telling your employer about your epilepsy, I can help you with this whilst we are going through the Access to Work application process.
It's not always an easy decision to tell your employer about your epilepsy. It could be for fear of discrimination or being stereotyped, but we are here to support you through the process when you use our services.
To find out more about how the Access to Work Scheme can be beneficial to you in supporting you in the workplace, click the 'Find out more' button below.
Leona Phillips has been working within the voluntary sector for many years, spending the past couple of years at Epilepsy Action. Leona specialises in epilepsy, having both professional and lived experience with the condition, and is now supporting people with epilepsy through the Access to Work scheme.
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