Survey reveals need for MS work support

A survey commissioned by Merck Serono for World Multiple Sclerosis Day (May 25) has revealed the need for support from employers and physicians to make continued employment a viable option for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Consider MS survey, which involved neurologists and people living with MS in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, is a response to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation's (MSIF) theme for World Multiple Sclerosis Day - the relationship between MS and the workplace.

Results of the survey identified a need for greater awareness about the condition, with 80 per cent of people with MS saying they needed more support from their employers than they were currently getting in order to continue working.

They believed greater dialogue about the condition was also needed, with half of people with MS surveyed saying they wanted more support from their healthcare professional on discussing MS with their employer.

"This survey reveals the important role employers and healthcare professionals could have in making this a possibility for people with multiple sclerosis," said Pieter van Galen, an MS patient who was diagnosed five years ago. "And it is simple to do:  I call on all employers to consider making working hours flexible, ensuring offices are accessible and even just making sure parking is easy and close."

Find out more about World Multiple Sclerosis Day.