People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK are now facing even more challenges, not only from their health condition but also from the lack of support from the government and employers. Nearly half of those living with MS have been forced to leave their jobs, mainly due to inadequate help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the lack of workplace support.
This situation could become worse with the government planning cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — a benefit that many people with MS depend on.
How DWP Support Helps MS Patients Stay at Work
Sarah Martin, a 51-year-old woman from Ramsbottom, is living with relapsing MS. She receives PIP from the DWP, which helps her cover daily living costs that have gone up because of her condition.
“PIP lets me work part-time and manage my symptoms better,” she shared. But if she loses this benefit due to new DWP rules, she may have to work full-time again, which could worsen her condition and force her to take more sick leave. This could lead to a cycle of poor health and job loss.
MS Society and Experts Raise Red Flags
Ross Barrett, from the MS Society, said many people with MS are leaving work not by choice, but because they cannot afford to keep working without help. MS is unpredictable, exhausting, and costly, and PIP helps with extra costs like hiring carers.
Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation, added that if the government cuts these benefits, fewer people with MS will be able to stay in jobs. “The government should rethink these cuts to give MS patients a fair chance at continuing work,” he said.
Workplaces Still Lack MS Awareness
It’s not just the government support that is lacking. Employers also fail to support people with MS. Nearly half of the people surveyed said their workplace could have helped more by simply understanding MS better.
Also, 41% of those who left jobs said the reason was no flexibility in working hours or conditions. Some still employed people are working below their skill level, just to keep their jobs, because employers don’t offer proper adjustments or support.
The Bigger Picture: MS and Employment in the UK
Only 41% of people with MS are currently employed, compared to 81% of non-disabled people. A scoping review also showed that few MS patients can continue full-time work 10 years after diagnosis. Many are forced to cut down their hours or retire early.
Even with PIP, 75% of extra, non-medical costs (like travel, equipment, home help) are paid from their own pockets, putting huge pressure on families. Removing or cutting PIP would make this even harder.
People with MS want to live independently and contribute to society through meaningful work. But without proper help from DWP and employers, they are being pushed out of jobs. Benefits like PIP are not just extra income – they are lifelines that allow people with disabilities to stay active and independent. Cutting them may save money for the government in the short term but could cost more in the long run by increasing unemployment and healthcare burdens. It’s time for a system that supports, not sidelines, people with MS.
FAQs
Why are people with MS leaving their jobs?
Many people with MS are forced to leave work due to poor support from the DWP and their employers. Lack of reasonable adjustments and financial help from benefits like PIP makes it hard to manage work alongside their condition.
What is PIP and how does it help MS patients?
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a UK government benefit that helps people with long-term illnesses like MS cover extra living costs such as care, transport, and daily living support.
How could DWP reforms impact people with MS?
If DWP cuts or changes PIP eligibility, many MS patients may lose financial support, forcing them to work full-time or leave their jobs due to worsened symptoms and increased financial pressure.
Are employers required to support workers with MS?
Yes. Under the Equality Act, employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, like offering flexible hours or modified duties. However, many employers still fall short in supporting MS workers.
What percentage of people with MS are in employment?
Only about 41% of people with MS are in work in the UK, compared to 81% of non-disabled people. This highlights a big employment gap caused by lack of systemic support.
