Hi, fellow MSers. I was diagnosed recently, with RRMS. I have a senior management position but I work from home, all year round. Job is quite demanding. I have not started DMT yet but I was offered plegridy, which I think would be suitable for me, as long as I get used to the side effects. I currently have no relapses. So far I can work without issues, but I may need time off for appointments, etc. If you also work from home, have you told work? I am just thinking about my options here. I just worry that there is still some discrimination (it’s an American company), and that they may try to find reasons to get rid of me if they know about the diagnosis. Thoughts? Thanks in advance. 
Hi Maria
A common phrase in legal circles is “mitigating the loss”. Not suggesting this is a legal issue, but the Co would have to demonstrate it was actually encountering a loss as a result of your condition. Clearly, they’re not at the moment.
To save unnecessary prejudice as long as possible, I would keep quiet as long as you possibly can. Having a relapse (and hopefully you won’t), might change the game somewhat, depending on how easily concealed the condition becomes. Don’t forget that we all get ill, that’s why sick pay exists. You could probably ride the wave on that one for a while too.
Beyond that, particularly if you have over 2 years’ service, they can’t fire you for getting ill. If it becomes an issue, they may invoke OH to arrive at ways of keeping you productive (and paid…) yet being sympathetic to your health in agreeing ways to perhaps reduce the load in areas where you may struggle. If you’re WfH that implies a non-manual role, so mobility won’t be an issue but they can still help with ergonomics, aids and adaptations when applicable.
Don’t worry! The stress and guilt can unravel things faster than anything. However, manage your papertrail. Make sure that reports from your MS Consultant include statements like “is fine to work as normal for the foreseeable future” just to spell things out.
Graeme
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You know your own situation best, of course, but it can be useful for employers to be aware, particularly to lay the ground for any possible future requests to make reasonable adjustments to help you continue to give of your best. As far as I understand it (which isn’t far, so don’t rely on anything I say),and assuming that you live here and pay tax here and so on, UK employment law and its protections will trump anything to the contrary that it might say in your employment contract, so you can rely on those protections. But I have no expert knowledge on this, and if you are not sure of your position, you should seek proper professional advice, I think. Of course what the law says and how managers might be tempted to behave if they think they can get away with it can be two different things. Again you need your own good understanding of the culture and style plus some expert advice, I think.
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Thank you, Graeme. Yes, agreed, I may be able to mask it for now, unless things go pear shaped. Problem is my job is so demanding. They are really over the top, e.g. they make a big deal and per my contract, I can’t even take holidays more than 3 days consecutively. They make me feel guilty and I login while sick…
I am in the UK, my contract follows UK law, but they are an American company. Luckily, I do manage the stress well, I meditate, etc. I even take 30 minute naps at home.
I took a short 3 day leave in the past for unrelated surgery under general anesthetic, then I had complications, and the mechanisms they used… my boss even told me off because I wasn’t available to complete a task 12 hours before the surgery. I need the money, otherwise I would have quitted.
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Be careful Maria with your health - I still work full time , 2 days in office and 3 at home - as said, you are protected by disability law and I would be tempted to take legal advice even through the MS Society and let them advise but at all costs, protect your health
Thank you very much for your response. They could simply try to find a way to make me redundant. Sometimes I think I should tell them, because I am in senior management decision making and stress could affect how I act and feel, and other times I am so scared they will find a way to get rid of me if I tell them. I do know I am protected by law but there are so many ways they can simply make excuses.
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Hello Maria,
I’ve been off-sick from work since January, after a heavy relapse: coincidentally, I told Occupational Health last week that as our office moved upstairs over the summer, I don’t think it’s compatible with Fire Safety Order for me to work above ground level.
Due to my mobility issues - i.e the use of two walking aids - I’m afraid I will need to work online from home only; doctor then put in the report, my ability to return to work is guarded.
I have other medical issues also and presently awaiting general surgery.
I believe there are safeguards such as Access to Work Guidelines that state, provision should be made to work partly or fully remotely, due to our disability.
Hope your employer is considerate,
JP
Thank you. Working from home helps me. I hope it’s doable in your case. I think that we would lose so much energy if we had to go to the office. I would also consider flexible working. Finally, some MSers find it easier to become self employed. I wonder if I should consided this option in the future.
Alison, about 3 years ago I saw someone being made redundant because they had a mental health issue. I can’t prove it, but I suspect that they found a way / excuse to terminate his contract.
Yes, it happens. And sometimes a mutually-satisfactory Compromise Agreement (or equivalent) can work for everyone. For instance, if the demands of the job are making a person unwell, and the employer is more than happy to throw money at the problem to make it go away quickly (and they often are) that can be a very good outcome all round. It’s all about the individual circumstances, isn’t it?
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