In Australia, study shows people with MS more likely to lose their jobs

From ABC news in Australia:

New research shows people with multiple sclerosis are more likely to lose their job than people with other chronic illnesses.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week is focusing on the employment prospects of people who are diagnosed with MS.

MS Tasmania says a national study between 2003 and 2007, and published in the Journal of Neurology, shows 56 per cent of people with the condition had lost their jobs, while 64 per cent were no longer in the paid workforce.

MS Tasmania's Heather Francis has urged employers to consider flexibility and understanding when it comes to possibly letting staff go, who are diagnosed with MS.

"Tasmania has by far the strongest prevalence of MS than any other Australian state," she said.

Ms Francis says 'switched on' employers are making simple workplace changes, especially in times of skills shortages, to keep their good staff.