17.05.2007

McCafferty, Chris

That this House notes with concern that people with epilepsy are more than twice as likely as the national average to be at risk of unemployment and underemployment; further notes the recent Epilepsy Action Survey that revealed that 47 per cent. of people with epilepsy believe that they have been discriminated against when applying for employment, and that 14 per cent. of people with epilepsy are actively seeking work (more than double the International Labour Organisation rate of 8.8 per cent. for disabled people); recognises that people with epilepsy still experience stigma and fear in relation to their condition in the workplace despite the protection of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; further notes that epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK, affecting around 456,000 people; welcomes this year's focus of Epilepsy Awareness Week from 20th to 26th May on employment issues; and joins with the Joint Epilepsy Council in calling upon the Government to take steps to promote equality, opportunity and understanding for people with epilepsy in the workplace much more effectively.