MS Active Source

positive living with MS

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MS and work

It’s usually a good idea to think about the type of work you do and how having MS might affect your ability to carry on in your job before you decide to tell your boss about your diagnosis. There’s no legal requirement to tell your employer about your MS unless you work in the armed forces, or on a plane or ship (ref nd12). However, could your MS have any impact on health and safety in the work place (yours or others), if it could then you do need to tell your employer so that a risk assessment can be completed.

You may find that MS does not interfere with what you do for many years. You also need to consider what you will say if asked directly, hiding information or lying could cause problems for you if this comes out later on (ref nd12). 

Most employers will be very supportive of people with MS, but if you are unhappy with the reaction you get, ask your doctor or MS nurse specialist about where to go for more advice. Telling your boss can have benefits. For example, you will be less worried about taking time off sick or for appointments. And remember you can ask your boss to keep the information confidential if you wish, so that your colleagues do not know about the diagnosis. Then it is up to you to decide if and when to tell them.

You will need to inform the DVLA if you have MS and may need to undergo a medical assessment to keep your licence.

Did you know?

MS affects about three times as many women as men.

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Biogen Idec

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Page last updated: 29 Jun 2009

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