The majority of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are of working age at the time of diagnosis. For people living with MS, remaining employed is directly linked to a higher quality of life and improved self-worth and social inclusion. Both employers and employees can take positive actions to ensure the best possibility of job retention.
In most instances there is no legal obligation for a person with MS to disclose their diagnosis to their employer, however research shows that people who disclose their MS are able to remain in the workplace for longer. You do need to disclose your MS when:
Disclosure provides an opportunity for the employer and employee to work together to address any issues that may arise, such as flexible working hours or physical workspace modifications.
If you decide to disclose your MS to your employer, it is important to equip yourself with an understanding of your workplace rights and the support options available. You should also review the terms and conditions of your employment contract, superannuation entitlements, and any insurance cover you may hold. MSQ can assist with helping you prepare for a meeting with your employer.
People living with a disability including MS are protected by State and Commonwealth discrimination laws in a number of areas of life including employment. In Queensland this means that an employer has a responsibility to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace to assist in managing issues that arise. For example it could be considered fair and reasonable for an employer to adjust your workplace environment through flexible work hours to assist in managing fatigue. Equally, it is discriminatory and therefore illegal to treat a person with MS differently because they have MS (such as not being considered for a promotion because of their MS rather than their ability).
Privacy Laws can also offer protection around disclose and sharing of your personal medical information in the workplace.
An employer is bound by law to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate a disability or chronic condition. What is considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’ varies depending on the workplace and the job role.
This may involve:
Many people with MS will be in the position of seeking employment at different stages of their life or career. This may be due to a negative workplace experience, redundancy, seeking a new career path, no longer being able to do the work they were originally trained for, or simply seeking work after parenting or other leave.
If you are seeking work and are unsure how to approach sharing information about your MS, the same guidelines around disclosure apply. Preparing for your disclosure meeting with one of our staff could be of benefit as it provides you with the best opportunity to paint a clear picture of your individual experience of MS and set the path for future. MSQ also offers an MS Employment Support Service providing specialist assistance to help you seek and retain employment.
Helping you make informed decisions about MS and employment
