World MS Day – 30th May | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds
World MS Day – 30th May | HR’s Role in Supporting Employees with Multiple Sclerosis (#MSConnections)
Consensus HR – Outsourced HR & Employment Law Support | Herts & Beds
#MSConnections | #WorldMSDay | #InclusiveWorkplaces | #ConsensusHR
Supporting Team Members with MS in the Workplace
World MS Day takes place annually on 30th May and is a global campaign raising awareness and building community connection for the over 2.9 million people worldwide living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This year’s theme, #MSConnections, focuses on breaking social barriers and building meaningful support networks.
For employers, this presents an important opportunity to reflect on how their workplace policies and culture support employees with invisible disabilities like MS.
What is MS and How Does it Affect Work?
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary significantly and can include:
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Fatigue
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Cognitive difficulties
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Mobility issues
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Visual disturbances
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Muscle spasms
These symptoms can fluctuate over time, making flexibility and understanding in the workplace essential.
Employer Responsibilities: Compliance and Compassion
Under the Equality Act 2010, MS is classed as a disability from the point of diagnosis. Employers are legally required to:
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Make reasonable adjustments to remove workplace barriers
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Ensure recruitment and employment practices do not discriminate
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Foster a workplace culture of inclusion and respect
Reasonable adjustments could include:
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Flexible working arrangements
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Adapted equipment or workspaces
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Adjusted performance management processes
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Clear communication channels for support and wellbeing
💬 “At Consensus HR, we believe in empowering businesses to create inclusive environments where every team member can thrive. Supporting employees with conditions such as MS isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about doing the right thing as an employer and fostering a culture where wellbeing and flexibility go hand-in-hand with performance.”
– Matthew Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, Owner – Consensus HR
HR Best Practice for Supporting Employees with MS
Consensus HR helps businesses of all sizes implement inclusive HR strategies. Here’s how we support clients:
✅ Tailored Employee Handbooks & Policies
✅ Support with Absence & Capability Management
✅ Training for Line Managers on Disability Awareness
✅ Flexible Working Policies and Templates
✅ Support during Occupational Health Processes
✅ Guidance on Equality Act 2010 Compliance
Helpful Links for Employers:
Let’s Make the Connection – Together
In observance of World MS Day, we invite all business owners, managers, and HR teams to consider how they can better support those living with MS or other long-term conditions.
If you’d like to ensure your HR practices are legally compliant and inclusive, Consensus HR is here to help.
📞 Contact Us Today
☎️ 01438 576750
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.consensushr.com
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Tags: HR Support | Equality Act | MS Awareness | Reasonable Adjustments | HR Consultancy | Disability Inclusion | World MS Day | HR Compliance | Employment Law UK | Outsourced HR | Consensus HR | #MSConnections
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