Should I tell my employer that I have MS?

This is a difficult question because there are arguments both for and against disclosing MS but, ultimately the decision is yours. You need to take into account whether there is any obligation to inform your employer in your contract of employment. Neither the 1995, nor the 2005, Disability Discrimination Act requires employees to tell their employer about their disability – unless you are in the armed forces or you work on a plane or ship. But if your MS might impact on health and safety in the workplace, you do need to tell your employer so they can undertake a risk assessment. Your employer will need to know that you have a disability if you need them to put in place any reasonable adjustments.

It is important that employees do not lie. If information is withheld and it comes out at a later stage, the employer may reasonably assume that the person was hiding the relevant information. This could lead to a breakdown of trust and confidence between the employer and the employee. On that basis, the employer could potentially fairly dismiss the employee.

Telling your employer does not mean that your diagnosis has to be public knowledge, although you may also wish to give some information to your colleagues. If they do not know your circumstances, it may appear that you are getting preferential treatment. More importantly, if they know what you need, they are better placed to give you support and assistance. It may be helpful to talk with your employer about whether, and how, to tell colleagues.  

Drivers, working and disclosing MS to your employer

Drivers do need to disclose their MS to the DVLA, although you are not required to inform your employer of this disclosure. But if the DVLA restricts your driving licence, and you use a car as part of your job you do need to inform your employer of this, as the company’s insurance policy may need adjusting. If you do not inform your employer of the restriction, this could be a dismissible offence.