300 jobs, 1 interview: Epilepsy barrier

Sophie Morgan, diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, has encountered significant hurdles in her job search. Despite possessing an undergraduate and a master's degree, she applied for 300 jobs over the last year, securing just a single interview and no offers. Employers frequently cited their inability to facilitate her condition, leading to recruiters ceasing communication.

Government data from the UK indicates that only 44% of individuals with epilepsy are currently employed. Sophie's experience highlights a pervasive issue, with a study by Epilepsy Action revealing that six out of ten people with epilepsy have faced discrimination. Furthermore, nearly half of employers surveyed admitted reluctance in hiring individuals with epilepsy.

Sophie underwent two brain surgeries in 2024 to identify the cause of her epilepsy, but these procedures were unsuccessful in offering a cure. The surgeries necessitated her to stop medication for six months and required 24-hour care, forcing her to leave her job and her home in Swansea. This has led to her living with her cousin in Newport for two years, unable to secure independent housing.

She noted a lack of employer knowledge about epilepsy, emphasizing that it extends beyond the stereotype of "flashing lights." Many of her seizures are absence seizures, which involve brief periods of lost awareness. Epilepsy Action states that employers have a legal obligation under the Equality Act to avoid discrimination and provide reasonable adjustments, such as flexible start times or breaks, to support employees with epilepsy.