Month: February 2020

With Chronic Pain affecting over a third of the population of the UK at some point in their life, Lawson West’s latest feature spotlights Chronic Pain at work. 

To be in constant pain from a medical condition, even with the use of painkillers, can have a debilitating impact on your job and your long-term career. Many employers struggle to know the correct procedures for managing employees with a Chronic Pain diagnosis. Strictly speaking, Chronic Pain is not defined as a standalone disability. It usually tends to be a symptom of defined disabilities such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Cancer amongst many others.

Employees should be transparent with their employer about their condition.

Employers should be careful about how they handle the poor attendance or poor performance of a Chronic Pain sufferer as a claim for disability discrimination could ensue if handled in the wrong way. This is because, for the purposes of an Employment Tribunal claim, it may be possible to argue that Chronic Pain IS a disability under the Equality Act 2010.  Read more here:

• 1 in 10 women have Endometriosis [1]

• 1.5 million people suffering Endometriosis pain [2]

• 69% of Endometriosis sufferers face discrimination at work [2]

Excitingly, today, MPs have launched an inquiry on the back of BBC research in October 2019 which found that of over 13,500 of respondents suffering with Endometriosis and its symptoms had nearly all said it had badly affected their career, sex life and mental health. Most said it had impacted on their education and most said they rely on prescription painkillers every month including potentially addictive opioids, and around half said they had experienced suicidal thoughts. An estimated 1.5 million people across the UK population could be affected.

This research is supported by Endometriosis UK’s recent survey findings of 1,000 women sufferers of endometriosis, 69% of whom have faced discrimination in the workplace because of their condition.

Work is something that we all generally do for necessity rather than enjoyment.  A considerable amount of employers are not aware of the condition, its effects and its impact.  This means that so many women are being left unsupported in roles that they have no choice but to endure as they are financially dependant on the monthly or weekly income.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition which affects women, resulting from cellular endometrium growing in the abdomen and reproductive organs.  It is thought of like Japanese knot weed, appearing in places without explanation causing significant damage and pain.  It has no means of stopping, repeatedly reoccurring regardless of any treatment.  It is a terribly debilitating pain.

Have you been treated badly, discriminated against by your employer because of your endometriosis and associated conditions?

If you feel you have been treated badly or fear reprisal from seeking support, contact us.  

Sources:

https://endometriosis-uk.org/news/mps-launch-inquiry-investigate-challenges-faced-15-million-endometriosis-37618#.XkF-LRxxeUk  [2]

https://endometriosis-uk.org/news/bbc-research-announced-today-wake-call-provide-better-care-15-million-endometriosis-37606#.XkGA_xxxeUl   [1]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49897873

https://www.lawson-west.co.uk/for-people/services/employment/articles/endometriosis-in-the-workplace-the-plight-of-sufferers