those we surveyed prioritise jobs with remote and hybrid working options, while 44% look for flexible hours. The UK Government’s proposal to make the right to flexibility the default option for all employees will significantly benefit people with MS and other disabled people. SUPPORT AT WORK Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable condition with a wide variety of symptoms. People with MS need tailored support at work to thrive and fulfil their potential. Respondents were asked about the forms of employment support on offer at work. The most common example cited was employers asking them what support they needed. While involving employees in conversations around support is encouraging, it also puts the onus of people with MS to spell out what adjustments they require and how symptoms can impact their work. Increasing employer knowledge about MS may empower employers to be more proactive about offering tailored workplace support to people with MS. Unmanageable workloads were the workplace challenge cited most often, however, only 8% of respondents said they had the support to change their job descriptions and role. Just one in 50 (2%) said they had employers who outlined progression opportunities that took account of their MS-related needs. These figures underline the importance of improved employer awareness and understanding of MS to enabling people with MS to fulfil their potential at work. Nearly half (45%) of those in our survey who left work because of their MS stated that a better understanding of the condition by their employer would have enabled them to stay in employment. ADDRESSING BARRIERS The analysis in our report suggests that action needs to be taken in three key areas to ensure people with MS who want to work can thrive in their careers: 1 Make access to secure and flexible work standard practice. 2 Improve the quality and access to in-work Government and employer support. 3 Ensure all people with MS – whether they are in or out of work – have adequate social security support. FIFTY FOUR DEGREES | 29 Aman Navani is a Research and Policy Analyst with the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, a leading think tank for improving working lives in the UK. The report No Compromises: Supporting people with MS to thrive in and out of work is authored by Aman Navani, Asli Atay and Jon Fitzmaurice, of the Work Foundation. a.navani@lancaster.ac.uk
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