Work (for employers & employees)

If you are worried how the effects of your stroke will impact on your ability to work or volunteer an occupational therapist will be able to offer support on what you are able to do and can work with you and your employer.  It is important to know that disability discrimination is against the law. It happens when an employee is treated less favourably due to their disability.

A disability is defined  as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities (Equality Act, 2010).

Disability discrimination might be direct and obvious, or it may be the result of a policy that appears equal but disadvantages some groups. For example, requiring everyone to enter a building via stairs may be indirect discrimination.

The Equality Act 2010 exists to protect people from all types of discrimination, including disability-based discrimination and states that a disability should not stop someone from working or having the same rights and access to opportunities as other people. Employers have a legal obligation to make 'reasonable adjustments' for employees who are disabled. A reasonable adjustment is a change to the workplace or the way a disabled person does their job to allow them to work. This may mean changing work times, transferring to another post or providing specialist equipment to help with certain tasks.

Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job, and your condition is likely to last 12 months or more. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs at work. The Stroke Association offer advice on where to get more help.

Other people who can provide help include: 

Occupational Therapy (OT) - If you are under the care of a stroke team ask a member of the team whether you can speak to an OT. If not ask your GP if you can access this in your area.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services - If you are under the care of a stroke team ask them or your GP if there is a vocational rehabilitation service in your area and if they can refer you. 

Your Employer – May be able to provide advice on reasonable adjustments. They should also let you know about a phased return to work policy if our workplace has one.

Occupational Health – Your employer should be able to direct you to Occupational Health who can provide support with reasonable adjustments. 

Your Union  - should be able to provide information and practical support for disability equality and may be able to represent you to challenge any discrimination.

ACAS - gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. They also offer training and help to resolve disputes. More information about ACAS.

AHP Report – An AHP report identifies reasonable adjustments that may be needed for you to return to work in a healthy way and suggests how these might be implemented. If you are working with a professional who is able to write you one of these reports, it can help both you and your manager to create a return-to-work plan that is suitable for you. 

Be kind to yourself. Recovery is a long process that will continue over months or years. Be honest with yourself, it is ok if you need more time off work. Only return to work when you feel ready and supported to do so. 

Make time for you. Rest and recovery are essential for progress.

Keep in touch with your employer (initially this might be done by your family members) and make sure they are aware of your situation and plan. How much you choose to disclose is up to you, but it can be helpful to keep communication honest and open if you feel comfortable doing so.

Talk with family/friends about your symptoms and what you’re finding difficult. If you have a return date planned, discuss how your family/friends can support you. Agree who will support and what tasks you need help with e.g. temporarily reducing home responsibilities.

Some symptoms are hidden (e.g. fatigue, altered thinking skills), and are not always understood by those that do not experience it. Your symptoms are specific to you - sometimes your experience needs to be clearly explained. Sometimes writing down how your symptoms feel for you or having a certain way to describe your experiences can make it easier for you to communicate this with others. 

If you’re feeling nearly ready for work, consider what you can do to prepare. For example, start to build a daily routine. Your therapy team can give more specific advice based on your personal and work situation.

You are not alone in your return to work. There are services which can support you (see Support in Your Area section below).

There should not be an expectation to immediately manage the same hours and responsibilities on your return to work after a major health event.

There are adjustments that can be made upon returning to work, including:

• A phased return (same job, but reduced hours over an agreed period: few months)
• Altered/reduced responsibilities (same job, but some duties are delegate to other members over an agreed period). 
• Adaptations to environment/working equipment (display screen equipment assessment for office-space positioning/posture). 
• Discussion of whether working from home is an option.

Consider how you balance both work and home life when returning to work. Your energy levels may be less than normal Your energy levels may be less than before your Stroke, therefore you may need to account for this when adding in additional work demands.

If things don’t go to plan:
Speak to your employer first, you may be able to problem-solve together. 

Consider whether you’re returning to work at the right time. Would you benefit from a period of time off? (e.g., with sick/FIT note) to recover and/or access additional support for your return to work journey. This could be through a Vocational Rehab Team or Occupational Therapist (e.g. for an AHP report) or through the work support services in your area listed in the sections below. 

If you don't wish to go back into paid work or don't feel ready, volunteering can be a great way to keep active and build your confidence. Volunteering offers many positive benefits including: 

• Allowing you to explore new hobbies and interests.
• Helping to build new skills or developing skills you haven't used in a while.
• Encouraging you to meet new people. This can help with feelings of isolation many people face after a stroke.

Think about your skills and interests. What appeals to you? Are you a keen gardener? Do you like working with the public? Pick something that you enjoy doing and that interests you. 

Think about how often you would like to volunteer. It can be a good idea to start once a week and build up to more if you feel able to.  Think about your energy levels and any travelling time. You could start with short shifts and build up to longer periods.

If you are unable to travel long distances due to fatigue or mobility difficulties, think about what exists in your local area. There are a number of opportunities across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. To find our more see the information below;  

• Keighley Volunteer Centre
• Bradford Volunteer Centre  
• North Yorkshire Volunteering 
• Volunteer Ilkley 
• Get Volunteering (Volunteer Search engine) 
• Volunteer Wakefield
• Community first Yorkshire
• Harrogate & District Community Action

Some GP practices also have Social Prescribers, which is a more recent NHS initiative aimed at connecting people with their local communities, to improve their health and wellbeing. 

If you decide not to continue in the job or occupation you were doing before your stroke, it may be possible to stay at the same company but retrain or change roles. You might take some time to look at your options and consider a career change.

Explore the different options that are available to you with the help of a Work Coach or IPES (Individual personalised employment support) at Jobcentre Plus or your local employability service. 

Support is available if you are unable to return to your previous employment, are wanting to upskill or consider a different role.

• Skills House (Bradford) - Bradford jobs, training and recruitment
• Disability Action Yorkshire (based in Harrogate but county wide)
• Free careers advice is available at the National Careers Service website
• The Shaw Trust offer an Intensive Personalised Employment Support  (IPES) scheme
• Step Up Wakefield

Below are resources to support with getting back to or remaining in work in your area.

Access to support services for returning to work vary across the region, the same support is not available in all areas. If you are unsure what is available in your area speak to an Occupational Therapist or your GP.