Is Fibro a disability in legislation?

[cswarner]

Hi, can anyone confirm that Fibromyalgia is covered by the equality act 2010 or is classed as a disability for discrimination purposes - thanks in advance

[Sorebones]

I have absolutely no idea although I doubt it as there are still medical professionals who refuse to believe Fibro exists. It's not a one size fits all syndrome. I will be interested to see if you get a definitive answer 🐸

[Lou1062]

I think that Fibromyalgia is recognised as a debilitating condition, the impact fibromyalgia has on our ability to carry out daily tasks does differ person to person. In general any condition which renders a person unable to function normally is, in my opinion, a disability. Fibromyalgia is recognised at government level and no one should face discrimination under any circumstances. x

[Greenpeace in reply to Lou1062]

Hi there,

just to say that Fibromyalgia is covered by the Equality Act 2010. That should mean that you are covered in the work place against discrimination, and that adjustments in your place of work should be made to allow you to work within your Disability.

I'm sure someone else on the forum will be able to point you in the right direction to where you can find out more on the subject.  I do know however that it is covered by the Equality Act.

Take care.

GP. 😊😊

[rosewine]

Hope this helps:-

Which conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act?

The following conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act:

The following conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act:

    cancer

    HIV infection

    multiple sclerosis

    severe disfigurement - this does not include tattoos and piercings

    if you’re certified blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted by a consultant ophthalmologist.

If you have one of these conditions and you suffer discrimination because of it, you can make a claim for unlawful discrimination.

There are some types of physical and mental conditions which might be treated as a disability under the Equality Act depending on the effect they have on your daily life.

    problems with your sight or hearing

    conditions where the effects vary over time or come in episodes such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and ME

    progressive conditions such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy and forms of dementia

    conditions which affect certain organs such as heart disease, asthma, and strokes

    learning disabilities

    learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia

    autistic spectrum disorders

    mental health conditions - for example, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder

    impairments due to injury to the body or brain.

If you want to claim you've experienced discrimination because of one of these conditions, you will have to prove the condition has a long-term and substantial effect on your daily life.x

    

[peck]

FM is recognized as a disability in the USA just as any other disability...that's the way I understand it.Peck☺

[TheAuthor]

Hi cswarner

Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I can see that you have had some wonderful replies to your question, so I will simply genuinely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden]

The dwp recognise as a disability.

[cswarner]

Thanks all for your responses.

I had thought it was covered under equality act but wanted to see if anyone had a different view - much appreciated, good to have my thoughts confirmed.

I've never had to ask for 'adjustments' to my working before but am struggling at the moment so might need to consider it

[Hidden]

I seem to remember that it is only an Employment Tribunal who can rule whether a condition is covered by the Equality Act. Anyone else can say that it is "likely to be". 

The following refers to 'disability' and has been copied from the Citizen's Advice website, "The Equality Act says a disability is a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day- to- day activities."

I hope that this explains the difference.

[rosewine]

Hooe this helps:-

Which conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act?

The following conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act:

The following conditions are automatically treated as a disability under the Equality Act:

cancer

HIV infection

multiple sclerosis

severe disfigurement - this does not include tattoos and piercings

if you’re certified blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted by a consultant ophthalmologist.

If you have one of these conditions and you suffer discrimination because of it, you can make a claim for unlawful discrimination.

There are some types of physical and mental conditions which might be treated as a disability under the Equality Act depending on the effect they have on your daily life.

problems with your sight or hearing

conditions where the effects vary over time or come in episodes such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and ME

progressive conditions such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy and forms of dementia

conditions which affect certain organs such as heart disease, asthma, and strokes

learning disabilities

learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia

autistic spectrum disorders

mental health conditions - for example, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder

impairments due to injury to the body or brain.

If you want to claim you've experienced discrimination because of one of these conditions, you will have to prove the condition has a long-term and substantial effect on your daily life.x