§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that all appropriate steps are being taken to encourage the suitable employment of epileptics.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that all disabled people, including those with epilepsy, are eligible for help from the specialist disablement resettlement service of the Employment Service Agency. This service includes vocational assessment, counselling and assistance with finding and retaining employment, which is provided by specially trained disablement resettlement officers, who are able to recommend employment rehabilitation and training in appropriate cases. Special attention, including obtaining medical guidance is given by these staff to assessing the effect of epilepsy for the individual on his or her employment capacity, and to seeking suitable employment.
It is estimated that there are 100,000 people of working age with epilepsy in Great Britain, the vast majority of whom are in employment.
584Wand 153 of "British Labour Statistics, Historical Abstract", but these figures are not comparable with those in the table below.
To help combat resistance and lack of understanding of the disability, the Agency, in co-operation with the British Epilepsy Association, issues a leaflet "Employing Someone with Epilepsy" to employers and potential employers of people with epilepsy. This leaflet aims to assist employers in dealing with problems that might arise, including advice on what to do if a fit occurs at the place of work. In addition local publicity campaigns, aimed particularly at employers, are conducted from time to time.