Sacked after a seizure: New service helps others fight back 

A woman with epilepsy who was dismissed from her dream job after having a seizure is among many who can benefit from a new service being launched by Epilepsy Action.

The national charity has teamed up with award-winning law firm, Slater and Gordon, to offer people with epilepsy a clearer route to advice when workplace issues arise.

Louise {whose name has been changed to protect her identity} knows just how devastating that can be. 

After moving to the UK to build a new life and career, the 34-year-old was thrilled to be offered her first teaching role after completing a master’s degree in education. 

But just weeks later she was sacked after having a seizure at work – told she should have declared her epilepsy on her job application.

Louise said: “I didn’t mention my epilepsy because I was scared, I wouldn’t be given a chance as that has always been how things have gone for me in the past. 

“Losing my job was devastating and it still affects me now. You try to move on but it knocks your confidence and makes you question your worth.”

Kathryn Hughes, helpline and support services manager at Epilepsy Action, said stories like Louise’s show why this new support service  is so important.

Peter Byrne

She said: “Too many people with epilepsy are still being overlooked or pushed out of work through no fault of their own. 

“Everyone deserves the chance to thrive – not just survive – in their job.

“This partnership with Slater and Gordon will give people the confidence to stand up for their rights and support employers to build fairer more inclusive workplaces.”

Peter Byrne, head of employment at Slater and Gordon, said: “People with epilepsy should be supported in every way possible in the workplace, and employment law exists to give them the protections they need and deserve.

“We are very pleased to partner with Epilepsy Action to ensure our specialist advice can reach as many people as possible and enable them to be confident and thrive in their careers.”

According to the latest Government data, only 33 per cent of people with epilepsy are in employment, which is the second lowest employment rate of any disabled group in the UK.

Research from Epilepsy Action reveals that one in three people with epilepsy have been bullied at work and six in 10 say they have faced discrimination because of their condition.  

Worryingly, almost half of all employers admit they would be reluctant to recruit someone with epilepsy.

Louise added: “I think this partnership is such a brilliant idea. 

“Having that kind of support would have made a huge difference to me at the time – just knowing someone understood and could stand up for me. 

“I’d hate for anyone else to go through what I did, and it’s reassuring to know that now, people will have somewhere to turn for help and hope.”

Epilepsy Action and Slater and Gordon will work with employers to raise awareness,  improve understanding of reasonable workplace adjustments and promote inclusive practices so that people with epilepsy can feel supported, valued and secure at work. 

For more information about the service – which is available from January 13th – people can contact the dedicated helpline on 0808 800 5050.