MS-UK educates DWP professionals about MS

MS-UK recently helped 360 professionals from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to gain an understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) be equipped with tools to know how to support members of the MS community.

MS is the most common disabling neurological condition in working aged adults, affecting an estimated 150,000-plus people in the UK.

It is also one of only three conditions which is automatically classified as a disability under The Equality Act 2010. This means those who have an MS diagnosis are protected from unfair treatment and have the right to request reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Despite this, a report by the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on MS found that up to 80 per cent of people with MS stop work entirely within 15 years of diagnosis. Many gradually reduce or adapt their work before leaving the workforce permanently.

It is important that professionals supporting people to retrain, source or sustain employment understand multiple sclerosis. MS-UK wanted to share our knowledge to help supportive staff from the DWP to increase their understanding of MS and their knowledge of potential resources to better help them in their role.

The free session involved two trainers from MS-UK, who shared lived experience of MS and relevant information about MS, including common myths and preconceptions, information about symptoms, the kind of support people may need and information on supportive services from MS-UK and other MS charities.

Attendees left the session with an understanding of the kind of support people with MS may need at work on their MS journey, and they reported finding the session extremely helpful in their professional development. Feedback included, “An amazing session, very informative and it really opened my eyes to the condition.”

One professional commented, “I learned a lot today. Very enlightening. Also, a very engaging session. Thank you.” While another said, “This has been a fascinating insight on lived experience with MS. I feel I have a better understanding of the condition and am better armed to support MSers to find the right job with appropriate adjustments.”

Ryan Jones, Helpline and Information Officer at MS-UK who was one of the trainers for the session, said, “Living with MS in the twenty first century does not mean that a person should immediately have to give up work, or even necessarily change their career path. Employment has been shown to have a positive effect on the wellbeing of people with long-term health conditions, and we know that many people feel a real sense of identity through their job.

“The more professionals we can help, the better the understanding of MS there will be in workplaces all over the UK, which not only good news for those living with MS, but for employers too, who will have the knowledge and resources to retain very talented colleagues in their workforce after an MS diagnosis.”

If you would like to access this training for you and your work colleagues, get in touch with MS-UK today. Email elearning@ms-uk.org or call 01206 226500.