Choosing to tell an employer about your epilepsy can be a difficult decision. You might be worried about whether it will stop you getting a job or make people treat you differently. You might not see the point if your epilepsy won’t impact your work.
You don’t need to say anything about your epilepsy when applying for a job. Although you might want to. For example, if you need a reasonable adjustment for the application or interview.
If you do tell an employer, they can’t refuse to give you a job because of it. Unless you would be unable, even with reasonable adjustments, to carry out the essential parts of the job.
Some organisations offer guaranteed interviews for people with a disability. This is usually as part of the Disability Confident scheme. You will need to meet the essential job criteria and tell them you have a disability.
“We have children under 3 in our nursery. I work with the older children as they don’t need carrying around, which could be risky if I had a seizure.”Young person
Disability Confident is a government scheme to encourage organisations to employ more disabled people. It is voluntary – meaning organisations choose to sign up. GOV.UK has a list of organisations that have signed up to the scheme. When looking for a job you can look for the Disability Confident symbol.
In general, employers can’t ask questions about your health before they offer you a job, unless they have a good reason to. For example, if you need to drive for the job, they could ask whether you can drive. They could also ask whether you need any reasonable adjustments for an interview or to do the job.
If you are offered a job your employer can ask about your health. But they can’t withdraw the job offer because you have epilepsy.
Any health-related questions should be relevant to the job. Your employer should also consider what reasonable adjustments would help you. If they are worried about whether you can do the job, they should speak to a professional for advice.
It could be discrimination if you’re refused a job after being asked about your health and reasonable adjustments haven’t been considered.
If your epilepsy won’t impact your ability to do your job, you don’t need to tell your employer about it. However, if your epilepsy will cause a health and safety risk to you or other employees you must tell them.
There are also reasons you might want to tell your employer about your epilepsy.
Your employer will need to know about your epilepsy to make reasonable adjustments.
They could also use it as an opportunity to improve their knowledge by arranging awareness sessions or training.
It can also help avoid possible issues. For example, your employer should be more understanding about your needs.
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A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.
