Migraine sufferers ‘don’t get support’

CONCERNS have been raised about the lack of support for workers who suffer from migraine.

New figures released by three charities – the Migraine Trust, Migraine Action and the National Migraine Centre – signal concerns over lack of workplace support for migraine sufferers.

In a public opinion survey, almost two-thirds (64%) of UK adults believe employers don’t understand very much or anything about the nature of migraine and its effects on staff.

And one in five (21%) even think health professionals do not realise the characteristics and impact of the condition on their patients, according to the YouGov poll released in Migraine Awareness Week, which starts today.

This heightens worries on the issue, since many sufferers have complained about inadequate backing from bosses.

Each year 25 million days are lost through migraine from UK work or schools, cutting Britain’s economic size by £2.5bn.

Nine million Britons experience migraine – one in seven people.

The survey reveals that 70% are either unsure or do not know whether migraine can be classed as a disability.

Under current legislation, migraine may be classed as a disability if its severity and frequency impacts your working life.

This is despite the fact that 82% of those quizzed have experienced migraine or know someone who has faced the condition.

Yet the World Health Organisation describes migraine among the most disabling illnesses around the globe.

Earlier research showed that almost one in five migraine sufferers had lost a job through the condition.

Arlene Wilkie, chief executive at the Migraine Trust, said: “This YouGov poll signals a wakeup call with the reality that while migraine appears to have touched the majority of people polled, the very debilitating and serious nature of the condition is still not recognised.

“The findings will strike a chord with many sufferers who have received inadequate backing from their bosses, schools and universities.

“Our charity, together with Migraine Action and the National Migraine Centre, is here to help.

“We will provide people with everyday support as well as raising awareness of migraine and campaign for sufferers to get the support they need in the workplace and beyond.”