Work

[Mark1984]

Hello,

I've had eplipsy now for 8x months has a result of a brain haomorrage, the medication is managing my seizures and I've not had one since October.

I've been out of employment due to the whole thing and feel better now to return to work, I'm not going to lie, I've never felt so much discrimination in all my life, who knew that people pre judged your CV, and when they ask about why I've had this amount of time off and I explain about my brain haemorrhage and eplipsy, eye brows are raised and then I'm "unsuccessful" in the process.

I recently applied with the NHS and I've had the same thing happen, even though I researched and was aware of thier "disability interview scheme" which complies with the "equality act", I met all requirements and qualifications but was told I was unsuccessful.

I feel I've been discriminated against, but has I'm coming to terms with this whole thing, I don't know what I should do next?,

No seizures in 5 months and more then able to work, but it seems employers don't want to know and I'm now having to face the thought of claiming benefits just to survive, I'm to proud to live of the state, but I'm confused of what the next step is? Anyone else facing the same problems or any advice would be grateful?

[MedicalAngel]

Hi Mark1984

Yes I totally get where you're coming from.

I had a haemorrhage and been off work when my seizures were suspected last year

I was working in the NHS when I had suspected seizures when the discrimination began for me.

I was also told that irrelevant of whether or not I had seizures the fact I had taken antiepileptic drugs would mean I wouldn't be returning to my NHS paramedic crew career.

My 16 year contract was terminated last year.

I've yet to apply for paid work. So far no discrimination in the voluntary sector....

You don't have to tell them about epilepsy. Maybe wear a medical bracelet incase it needs to be known.

Take care

MA x

[Mark1984 in reply to MedicalAngel]

It's a whole new experience for me, it was pretty much mapped out when it happened.

6x years working in social care (brain injury) which is of course is ironic and does make me chuckle that I'm now on the other team.

I was advised not to inform them of anything, but I'm from a world where humans had empathy and understanding, now it's just " you have eplipsy?", I'm pretty sure there's still some good people out there and luck will change.

Thanks for the advise and totally feel your situation, has a working man myself it's what you do next?

Stay cool man

X

[MedicalAngel in reply to Mark1984]

I'm all in a kerfuffel as I've no idea.

Can't believe you worked in BI social care and they biffed you out for having a BI. Outbloodyrageous.

You stay cool too dude x

[AmyBadd]

Sounds horrible. I haven't experienced this at all and I have applied for a lot of jobs over the last few years as I am in a career where I am having to work temporary contracts at the moment.

All application forms give the option of you going through the "two ticks" procedure where if you say you have a disability (or long term illness such as epilepsy) AND you meet all the "required" skills that they list they guarantee you an interview. Sometimes I have used this, but often I don't declare it, because I think if they don't know I have epilepsy then they will judge my application fairly against everyone else's. I also wouldn't tell them at an interview, but I would wear my emergency alert bracelet in case something happened in there.

I suppose you are in a more difficult position than me because they see that you have had a big chunk of time off and they will ask about that and you have to explain. I have not had to take time off like that.

The only thing I would say is to bear in mind how tough the job market is. Can you be sure you have been discriminated against? Perhaps you have just been up against hundreds of other applicants, some of which will also have the qualifications and experience. I know that in the NHS the jobs are generally really over-subscribed. Don't forget that you can (and should) always ask for feedback after an unsuccessful job application. This can really be helpful when you are applying for another similar job in the future. You can also ask for feedback when you are successful, which is also very useful, as you probably won't be in that job forever and it is worth knowing what you have done well!!

If you are able to, go to a class about applying for jobs. You might be able to do this through your local job centre or something. I know it sounds silly, but I did one before I got my current job and I really think it helped. The instructor will pick up on your bad habits that you are not aware of. Also always get someone you trust to read through job applications and CVs. You might just have made a couple of little spelling mistakes, but this might rank you below someone else who has applied if they are not corrected.

All the best of luck. If you still suspect you are being discriminated against, you can always report the companies you are applying to.

Amy

[Evangilene]

Sadly my daughter had this happen 25 yrs ago and I thought life had moved on,,,eventually she decided to register herself disabled ....she has hydracephalus & epilepsy...and works for the Royal British Legion and has held the job since then. Have you contacted Epilepsy Action for advice ???. Do you have to tell them before you are employed ?? The fact you have not had a seizure for 5 months is encouraging. Good luck

[Steph72]

HI Mark1984 ,

I developed Epilepsy last year, and I have managed to keep my job,. My employer has been very understanding.

I have however noticed some discrimination, as i have been contacted by requirement agents and then when i shared my diagnosis i was told there would be know point in looking for any positions. I worry that when i chose to change positions or what to move up the career ladder i will face discrimination.

I would advise that if the position and your ability to complete the work would not be impacted by your condition. Don't tell them, inform them once you have completed your probation and have a sighed contract.

[Talbot]

Sorry to hear about what you have been through, Mark. Even though I only had "absence seizures", I still took twelve and a half years to find my first job. Like you, I felt discriminated against. I was beginning to believe I would never see a payslip. Like you, I didn't want to live off the State, but I am sure the DHSS - as it was then - thought I was taking them for a ride. Besides my own area, I went to three other Job Centres in the hunt for work, but every time I got no further than an interview. I am sure at one point even the doctors were not convinced I was making the effort to find work. My present job I have now held for just over 15 years, and everyone is aware of my slowness grasping something and how unreliable my memory is following my temporal lobe surgery. Yet they all help me, and in return I can contribute practically to the day's work. On more than one occasion I have been thanked by other managers for helping their section to complete a task more quickly. I hope it won't be too long before you are working again. In the mean time, why not swot up on the Disability Discrimination Act.