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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1227038087 Message started by oodj on Nov 18^th, 2008 at 2:54pm

Title: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by oodj on Nov 18^th, 2008 at 2:54pm

I work in the UK and have started to have trouble at work with time off i'm taking sick due to CH. I have read on another site that CH is a disabilty so sufferers are protected by the disability discrimaination act. Has anyone had any experience of problems with work and what to do?

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by jason1212 on Nov 18^th, 2008 at 7:44pm

I have had plenty of trouble with work and my CH's. I don't know if this pertains to you in the UK but here in the states I was able to get protection under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If I remember correctly I was given 1200 hours per year to use however I wanted. I could leave work early, come in late, or take long breaks in the middle of my shift. I haven't needed it since I've started my last job.

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by Karla on Nov 19^th, 2008 at 7:45am

Contact ouch uk and see if they can answer your questions.

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by BrianJ on Nov 20^th, 2008 at 5:00pm

Hi oodj

Im from Liverpool you are correct it is a disability and is subject to the disability discrimaination act. ouchuk has a page regarding this wich outlines the parts of the disability laws apply to CH i suggest you go check it out print it out including the letter to employers from the link on this site and hand them to your boss it will cover you and cover him so he should be happy you got this info for him. hope this helps

Brian

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by oodj on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 8:09am

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the reply, since i posted it i have been sacked and is now being dealt with through the tribunal. I can't say much at the moment but all papers from both sides have been submitted and now just waiting for a court date from tribunal, hopefully i'll come out with some justice

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by Ray on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 9:08am

Justice would be excellent. Best of luck to you!

Ray

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by Katie on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 12:04pm

Hope the tribunal is of help.

Have a word with your doctor about being 'registered disabled' under the UK Disability Discrimination Act if your head aches are frequent enough to warrent it.

OUCH UK is a good source of info regarding CH and UK employment laws.

Not much help in regards t your current situation but this may be of hep for the future.

Title: Re: Are CH sufferers classed as having a disability?
Post by slhaas on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 12:42pm

Not sure about how it works in the UK. Some people in the US have gotten protection with the ADA (American's with Disabilities Act), and some have gone on full disability, but that can be a fight. It is definitely covered by our FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) protections, but if your employer wants to they can make using it a pain in the butt, but it's there. I would assume the UK has some similar protections in place for you, but I honestly don't know. I would ask your doctor or someone in your HR department. It is definitely a problem, though, when you risk losing your job for this and can turn into a nasty catch 22 if you don't get help.