This week we are releasing a new report which shows that a significant number of people with MS are leaving employment earlier than they need to.

The report, based on data from a global survey of over 12,200 people affected by MS, shows that 43% of people with MS who weren’t working had left employment within three years of diagnosis. This rose to 70% within 10 years of being diagnosed.

43% of people with MS who were not in employment had stopped working within three years of diagnosis. This figure rose to 70% after ten years.
62% of people with MS who were not in employment said fatigue prevented them from staying in work – far less than the 85% reported in 2010.

The report also reveals that MS symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment, have an impact on people’s ability to work.

The good news is that a number of simple changes required to enable people affected by MS to stay in work, such as reasonable adjustments and increased access to treatments, are achievable.

The report includes recommendations for employers, policy makers and researchers. It also encourages people affected by MS to carefully consider telling their employer as soon as possible after diagnosis, so that adjustments can be made in good time.

Read the full report, or a summary of key findings and recommendations

Effective changes and adaptations could keep more people with MS in work.