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Your rights at work

Back to work and careers

Is epilepsy a disability?

You may not think of yourself as disabled. But epilepsy is a disability when it has a substantial and long-term effect on your day-to-day activities, or it would if you weren’t on treatment.  

Equality laws protect you even if you don’t think of yourself as disabled. This means you can’t be treated differently because you have epilepsy. 

In England, Wales or Scotland you’re covered by the Equality Act. In Northern Ireland you’re covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. 

What are reasonable adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer can make to help you at work.  They are specific to you. They can cover any area of work from application to day-to-day activities.  

Some examples of reasonable adjustments include: 

  • An online interview to avoid you travelling when it’s busy. 
  • Extra time for interview tasks. 
  • Getting interview questions in advance. 
  • Having your own desk instead of hot-desking. 

What is reasonable will depend on the situation. When reviewing reasonable adjustments an employer will consider: 

  • If the adjustment is practical. 
  • The cost (the employer pays for reasonable adjustments). 
  • Whether it will help. 
  • Any potential negative impacts on others. 

Even if the adjustment is considered unreasonable your employer should look for other ways to support you. Reasonable adjustments are linked to the Equality Right law. 

The Health Adjustment Passport is a tool that helps identify any extra support you might need at work if you have a disability, like epilepsy. It’s completely voluntary, so you can choose whether to fill one out.

It contains info about your condition and helps you explain to your boss, or future boss, what adjustments or support you might need. This means you won’t have to keep repeating yourself every time you get a new job. Plus, you can use it to apply for Access to Work grants that might help cover any extra support you’re entitled to. Find out more about the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work.

I have a poor memory, so my boss always writes down instructions as well as talking to me about them.
Young person living with epilepsy
My seizures are always first thing in the morning. I was allowed to start and finish work two hours later than other people.
Young person living with epilepsy

Support getting into work

Discover the types of workplace support available for employees with epilepsy, including adjustments and legal protections for a supportive work environment.

The Channel

A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.