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Find the answers to commonly asked questions about our clinic and what you can expect from a consultation.
View all frequently asked questionsA National Migraine Centre factsheet
Migraine affects one in seven people in the UK. Yet research undertaken by the National Migraine Centre suggests more than 50 per cent of those with chronic migraine feel their employers are not supportive of their condition. Our research with patients showed:
Research by the CBI found migraine was the second most common reason why people are away from non-manual jobs long term.
Our research suggests migraine discrimination in the workplace could be commonplace. Yet under the Equality Act 2010, it may be an offence for an employer to discriminate against someone because they suffer migraine. Under the Act, migraine may be considered a disability, depending on the frequency, severity and impact of the attacks.
The Act also places certain obligations on employers to make reasonable adjustments to jobs in order to enable those with migraine to continue working. This might include allowing you to take breaks regularly throughout the day rather than one long lunch break, fitting an anti-glare screen to your computer monitor, reviewing lighting in your office and allowing time off to see medical professionals.
Occasional migraines cause a lot of inconvenience and interruption to work, but for those who experience attacks that have a significant impact on their lives over a period of more than one year, the condition may be legally classified as a disability. This provides employment protections (check out the Acas website to learn more).
The National Migraine Centre’s headache specialists can help you to understand, as well as reduce, the severity and impact of your headaches.
Typical migraine attacks will generally last from two to 72 hours, meaning that migraine sick leave can vary greatly from person to person and attack to attack.
You may find that spending quiet time in the sick room for a couple of hours, if your workplace has one, is enough. But you may also sometimes need to step away from work altogether for a couple of days. It’s important, then, that you understand the absence policies in place for your organisation, specifically the ones for short-term sick leave.
Your employee handbook or sickness policy should outline the approach that your organisation takes towards employee sickness. If you’re at all unsure, speak with your human resources team or your manager.
Migraine is widely misunderstood by those who don’t suffer with the condition. Make sure to speak to your manager about your condition and how it affects you, so that they understand it’s so much more than just an occasional headache. Your employer can’t help you unless they know more about how it affects you.
You can ask your headache specialist to provide you with information that you can share with your employer. You can also direct your manager to our information on migraine for employers or suggest they consider joining our corporate wellbeing programme, which can reduce staff absences by helping employees manage their migraines.
You can find more information on our corporate wellbeing programme here.
Corporate wellbeing: migraine and work
Book an appointment with the experts: review the best treatment options for you with a leading headache specialist. Beat the misery of migraine and get back to living. Book your consultation through the National Migraine Centre now.
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