The Trade Union Council (TUC) and Epilepsy Action have worked together to release a guide for how union representatives can handle epilepsy in the workplace.

The guide has been published in a bid to help improve the professional lives of people that have the condition, in a work environment.

The TUC brings together trade unions across Britain, offering representation for its members, as well as lobbying and campaigning to ensure that employees are treated fairly throughout the course of their work.

UK employers have a legal obligation to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to either a job or physical workplace in order to accommodate employees with disabilities and conditions like epilepsy.

The guide suggests reasonable adjustments that can be made for a person with epilepsy while also providing general information and dispelling the myths that surround the condition.

It also includes information relating to the performance of risk assessments, alongside case studies of good practice and communication, in addition to examples of workplace bullying and how to prevent or respond to such cases.

Union representatives from the TUC’s members will be better informed as a result of the guide’s publication and they will also be able to advise people with epilepsy, and their employers, regarding workplace rights.

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said: “I am delighted that the TUC has worked with Epilepsy Action to produce this new guide to help trade unions support members with epilepsy.

“Despite legal protection, workers with epilepsy still encounter ignorance, prejudice and discrimination.

“Trade unions challenge all such attitudes and behaviour and this guide will help them to do so from a position of understanding and strength.”