Beauty Therapist with Epilepsy

[katrinalou]

Hi Is there anyone out there that suffers from Epilepsy. I have partial complex seizures which basically means I don't don't fall or have full seizures but more of an Auro for about 2 minutes. I qualified in level 2 and all but electrical in Level 3 and concentrated on massages instead. I was wondering if anyone else has a problem with getting employment and do you explain an at interview you have epilepsy or not?

 

[Helward87]

Hello, I haven't had seizures for a good few years now but had been diagnosed as epileptic from about 8. I suffered grand mal & petit mal seizures.

You are legally required to inform that you suffer from mild epilepsy however the employer cannot discriminate in any way.... If you suspect discrimination is taking place you are entitled to seek further legAl advice as its against the law for them to do so. That being said if you explain that you do not have full seizures then I'm sure most will be understanding of your situation. Good luck xxx

 

[katrinalou]

Hi thanks for your reply. When I researched this I was under the understanding that you don't legally have to tell the employer. I have an interview tomorrow at a 5* spa and i am reluctant to explain my epilepsy but from experience as soon as they hear this its a no go!! I did get a job in December at a Spa (the first time I didn't disclose my epilepsy), After working there for a month quite happily. I got on very well with my supervisor and during a lunch break she asked why I didn't drive. a good time to explain I thought!! I was wrong...... I finished my shift and before I was due back on to my next shift after Christmas I received an email saying I was no longer needed.

 

[Helward87]

I think, and I could be wrong so by all means double check with epilepsy.org or gov website but if you choose not to tell your employer but it may affect your job (seizures at work etc) then they are then allowed to dismiss you but they have to follow certain protocol first (so your previous employer 100% broke the law).
If you chose not to tel them then it's your choice but then you can't expect reasonable adjustments to be made to accommodate your condition until you have made your employer aware of the condition.

I completely understand your predicament, people will judge you without understanding your personal situation, but then by the same token do you want to work for a company that hold you in such little self esteem to dismiss you so easily. It's a tough one, only you can know what suits you best Hun xx

 

[Jen889]

As an employer, I would like to know before hand of any medical conditions. This is for my insurance but also, and more so, for myself. I would like to inform myself and see if I would need to change anything in the work place. As well as prepare in case something goes wrong at work. I would want to know what to do and be prepared for that, not just sit there scratching my head.

I wish you the best of luck!

 

[katrinalou]

ok thanks its been helpful.