Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Our team of Employment solicitors consists of dedicated specialists and lawyers who deal exclusively with employment law. The team have over 30 years’ experience collectively and have wide, in-depth knowledge of all employment matters and disputes.
You can be assured Lawson-West’s solicitors keep up to date with the latest legal developments and changes to bring you the best advice.
Lawson-West’s expert employment solicitors and lawyers have significant experience of representing clients who have been discriminated against because of an Alzheimer’s or Dementia diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia can affect people of any age, but are more common in older people. Recent statistics showed that at least 17,000 people in the UK are living with early onset dementia that developed before the age of 65.
Many people are able to continue working, particularly in the early stages of their condition, and wish to do so.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia may require some additional assistance or adjustments in the workplace to allow them to work. To assist the employer in understanding your condition and the additional support they could provide, it is important that an assessment is undertaken to provide feedback, assistance and recommendations for adjustments.
Any recommendations provided should be implemented as quickly as possible, where reasonable to avoid any further detriment.
Employers must make reasonable adjustments for employees so that they are not disadvantaged at work.
Reasonable adjustments could include:
• Reallocating a task to another employee
• Moving an employee's desk to a quieter area
• Changing the way that something is done
• Changing physical features of the work environment
• Providing extra equipment or someone to assist the person to meet their changing needs
• Flexible working
• Time off to attend medical appointments.
If you suffer with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, it is important that you notify your employer so that they can comply with their obligations. If your employer is not aware of your condition, they may not assist you. The employer may be entitled to financial assistance to help meet the cost of supporting the person with alzheimer's at work, possibly through Access to Work via the Jobcentre Plus.
It is important to note that the Equality Act also protects people who experience discrimination because they are associated with someone who has a disability, such as their carer. Carers also have the right to request flexible working, and the right to request time off to look after dependents in an emergency.
Making a claim
If your employer does not consult with you, carry out the necessary checks and investigations and make any reasonable adjustments required, your work may suffer. In some circumstances you may find that you are dismissed on the basis that you are unable to carry out the role. If this is the case then you may be entitled to claim against your employer for disability discrimination.
There is no minimum length of employment required to bring a claim at the Employment Tribunal, but it is important to lodge your claim with ACAS within 3 months of the act of discrimination occurring. It is therefore essential that you take legal advice on your situation at an early stage and as soon as possible.
If you have been unfairly treated at work because you suffer from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, we can help. Please remember there are strict time limits in Employment claims and you should take good free legal advice as soon as possible.
In addition to No Win No Fee, Lawson-West solicitors act for our clients on a variety of other funding arrangements including Legal Expenses insurance funding. We can assess your case to decide which is the best funding option for you.
With offices in Leicester, Wigston and Market Harborough our employment solicitors and lawyers can discuss your employment law claim at any of our branches. In addition, we are a national provider of expert employment law advice and welcome a free discussion with you regarding your circumstances and potential claim.
If you believe you have a situation where you require free legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively fill in the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
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