Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) awareness month
April is IBS awareness month. Its aim is to raise awareness, promote understanding and offer compassion to those living with IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
IBS is an ongoing condition that needs long-term management.
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. However for others the symptoms can be debilitating and have a profound impact on normal, day to day activities.
Consequently, a person with IBS may be deemed disabled, as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and subject to various statutory protections. Specifically, they are afforded protection from less favourable treatment because of their disability or, a reason arising from their disability such as the requirement to take frequent comfort breaks. It also places an employer under a duty to make reasonable adjustments where their disability creates barriers which impede their performance and potential.
Those suffering with IBS may be reluctant to share their medical condition with their employer. However, the duty to make reasonable adjustments does not arise until an employer has knowledge of the disability and the difficulties this causes them when carrying out their role.
As if often the case awareness and understanding of disabilities is key. All too often employers fall foul of the law because they have failed to properly understand a condition and instead have undertaken acts or omissions based on stereotypical assumptions and ignorance.
Stress is an IBS trigger. Employers should engage with anyone affected by IBS, to properly understand their condition and provide a safe and suitable work environment that allows them to undertake their roles without fear, stigma or worry.
We welcome this campaign.
If you are affected by IBS and require help and support or, an employer seeking guidance on how to manage staff with disabilities then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We have a wealth of experience advising on all aspects of disability discrimination and are here to help and support you.
If you believe you have a situation where you require legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively complete the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
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