Key findings
- 43% of people with MS who were not in employment had stopped working within three years of diagnosis. This figure rose to 70% after ten years.
- 62% of people with MS who were not in employment said fatigue prevented them from staying in work – far less than the 85% reported in 2010.Fewer people had reduced their working hours or taken a short term absence compared to 2010 data.
- More people reported not needing to change their working pattern compared to 2010 data.
- Effective changes and adaptations could keep more people with MS in work.
The report includes recommendations for employers, policy makers and researchers. It also encourages people affected by MS to carefully consider telling their employer as soon as possible after diagnosis, so that adjustments can be made in good time.
Ava Battles, Chief Executive, MS Ireland comments: 'Employment is a key concern for people with Multiple Sclerosis and this is a central theme for World MS Day this year. We are calling on policy makers to strengthen and expand support structures that exist for both employers and employees in order to promote job retention where someone acquires a disability or long-term health condition during their working life.'
MS Ireland will launch a set of resources on MS and Employment on June 2nd. There will be an information resource for people with MS, a toolkit for employers and a guide for policy makers. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information.