Fibromyalgia
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 whose fibromyalgia means they are discriminated against at work.
Fibromyalgia is a form of chronic pain syndrome, the symptoms of which leave people with overwhelming pain, headaches, sleeplessness and depression. Managing such conditions at work can be challenging but you should not be placed at a disadvantage because you are a sufferer.
If your condition is classed as a disability under the Equality Act, your employer is obliged to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ and may be able to get funding through the Access to Work scheme, via the Jobcentre Plus.
The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment which has an effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” This could include ‘hidden’ impairments or disabilities and the effect must be “substantial, adverse and long-term.”
It is possible for you to request your employer carries out an assessment via an expert such as Occupational Health in order to establish if there are any reasonable adjustments that can be made. Thereafter, following your request, your employer must take reasonable steps to implement the adjustments suggested (as long as they are able to do so).
Your employer could make a number of adjustments to help you work more comfortably and effectively such as:
• Additional support, particularly if you have just been diagnosed with a condition
• Flexible or reduced hours
• Working from home
• Longer rest breaks
• Dispensation for related absences
• Allowing you to pace your own workload
• Adaptations to your work space or position
• Aids to help memory/concentration if this is a symptom of your condition.
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.
If you’re an employee receiving unfair treatment at work due to fibromyalgia, 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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