Employment Resources
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- Category: Useful Information
- Published on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 10:30
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Employment Support Resources
You may be concerned about how fibromyalgia may affect your work either now or in the future…we’ve got handy information booklets for both employees and their employers that give an overview of working whilst living with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia can impact your employment in a number of ways and at different stages. Work can have benefits beyond the financial aspect. Research has shown that people who are able to work are more likely to have better self-esteem, which can reduce levels of depression, pain, and isolation.
Our employment booklets can be found on our publications page. They provide support for employees and also for employers so that they can support their employees with aspects such as reasonable adjustments.
This page provides some information from these booklets and links to other resources that could be of help. Fibromyalgia can impact your employment in a number of ways and at different stages. Work can have benefits beyond the financial apsect. Research has shown that people who are able to work are more likely to have better self-esteem which can reduce levels of depression, pain and isolation.
Our Booklets
The aim of our employment guides is to provide those with fibromyalgia with the basic information they need to understand their rights in employment, plus suggestions how to manage their fibromyalgia whilst working.
They are also designed to help employers know what they can do to assist their employees who have fibromyalgia. They provide information on how to help yourself or where to get further support.
Deciding when to tell your employer can also be an important decision, the booklets provide help with this.
How can it affect my employment
Fibromyalgia affects everyone differently. Some people are more severely impacted than others. Due to the fluctuating nature of Fibromyalgia, the symptoms can vary day-to-day. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent level of working.
A lack of understanding from colleagues can also reduce enjoyment from working or introduce additional hurdles.
Reasonable adjustments
Adjustments should be considered with you involved and will vary depending on your requirements, the size of your employer, and the role that you do. They can include:
- Allowing longer breaks so you can manage your tasks more flexibly.
- Adjusting working times to enable an easier commute
- Using stretches and changes to posture as well as aids (e.g. memory cushion) to make your working environment more comfortable for you.
- Stress reduction techniques such as memory aids like notepads, voice recorders or whiteboards.
- An ergonomic seat, mouse, or keyboard.
- Driving aids such as specialist cushion or steering adaptations.
There are more examples in our booklets.
Further links
You may require further support with issues that occur within the workplace, or you may want help in applying for jobs.
Below are some links that may be of help.
- ACAS - ACAS gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.
- Access to Work – Government support for disabled individuals in the workplace.
- Scope Employment Services – Employment support for disabled people.
- National Careers Service - Job support for individuals with disabilities.
- Citizens Advice Bureau - Help and information if you have a problem at work.
Support Resources
You can find out more about our helplines and support groups here including any notice due to holidays or closures.
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- National Helpline 0300 999 3333 (10am - 4pm Mon - Fri)
- Benefits Helpline 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon, Wed and Fri)
- Complimentary information booklets for doctors and other professionals (fully referenced)
- Books and videos
- Website Contacts with legal specialists
- Conferences
- Local support group and helpline contacts
If your Health Care Professional needs some education in fibromyalgia you can request that an FMA UK Health Professionals Pack is sent out to them. All we need is the name of the Health CareProfessional and the address of their practice. We will then send a pack to their surgery addressed from us to them.
You can request a medical pack using this form.
You can find a Support Group near you by contacting the Regional Coordinator for your area. If there does not happen to be a support group near you then maybe you can join with some other members and set one up. Support groups provide a social benefit as well as the opportunity to share tips on coping with fibro. They come in all shapes and sizes and we are often told how they have helped people.
