On Tuesday, 10th December 2024, Sophie Fournel, a Kent Research Partnership Training and Research Fellow and Chief Executive Officer of Disability Assist, shared her insights on BBC Radio Kent during their Barriers to Work and Employment Support segment. Speaking from personal and professional experience, Sophie highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the workplace.
Sophie, who is currently conducting research on attitudes towards paid employment among people with MS, emphasised how the condition affects self-confidence, particularly when individuals can no longer perform roles they held prior to their diagnosis.
She pointed to societal and employer attitudes towards disabled people as a significant barrier to securing and maintaining employment. Practical factors such as commuting, workplace accessibility, and role flexibility also play a crucial role in determining employment outcomes for people with MS.
The benefits system further complicates matters, with individuals expressing concerns about how working could impact their financial position. Those who have been medically retired from previous roles face additional constraints on their ability to engage in new employment opportunities.
Sophie called for greater access to training, vocational rehabilitation, and tailored careers advice, as well as better awareness of support programs like Access to Work. These measures, she said, could empower people with MS to explore their options and overcome barriers to meaningful employment.
You can hear the interview here.