Advice

Working with dementia: How the law helps and how to talk to your employer about your diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of dementia while still of working age can be difficult to accept. You may still want or need to continue working, whether it’s for financial reasons or because you enjoy it.

Can I still work with dementia?

You may need to keep working for financial reasons. Or you may find that staying active and connected at work is better for your physical and emotional wellbeing. Other people may want to adapt their role or give up work-related stresses.

In many cases, it won’t be necessary to give up your job immediately. Employers are required to make adjustments where possible to support you in your role.

How the law protects people with dementia at work

The first thing to know is that the law is on your side. People living with dementia are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 in England and Wales. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 works in a similar way in Northern Ireland.

Both Acts require employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace to help you do your job.

This could mean, for example. introducing flexible working hours or moving your working area somewhere quieter, or even offering a different role.

Can I be fired for having dementia? 

Employers shouldn’t dismiss a person on disciplinary grounds if the effect on their work is caused by dementia.

However, they can dismiss someone on capability grounds if a person is unable to do the work and reasonable adjustments have been made.

If you want to apply for a new job after receiving a diagnosis, the law also protects you from being discriminated against.

You can speak to a disability employment adviser for further advice. There is information about where to get advice in our Work and dementia guide.

Talking to your employer about your dementia diagnosis

After a dementia diagnosis, it’s usually best to talk to your employer and tell them if you’d like to continue working.

In many cases, this is not a legal requirement, but it’s a good idea to check your contract and it will depend on the type of work you do.

For example, you’ll need to tell your employer about your diagnosis if your job has an impact on the health and safety of other people. This includes work that involves driving or operating machinery.

If your job involves involves driving, you will also have to tell the DVLA - or DVA in Northern Ireland - that you have dementia. 

The benefits of telling your employer about your diagnosis

Some people can feel anxious about telling their employer but there can be benefits. By informing your workplace, you’ll be able to access support that could help make work more manageable. If you don’t tell your employer about your diagnosis, they may not have any legal duty to help you.

You might find it helpful to take someone with you such as a trusted friend or colleague when you have the discussion with your employer.

Whether you tell your other colleagues that you have dementia is always your choice. There’s no rush to make a decision so take your time and consider asking your employer for advice. 

Changes to help you work with dementia

If you decide to continue working, think about whether making changes to how you work or to your role could help you carry on for longer.

Some adjustments that you could think about include:

• Changing your work schedule to give you time to rest if you are tired
• Arranging meetings for times when you’re likely to perform better 
• Requesting to be moved to a quieter area with less distraction
• Using technology or calendars to remind you of meetings and deadlines

Moving to a different role

What counts as a reasonable adjustment depends on the situation. Things like the type, cost and practicality of the adjustment, as well as the size of the organisation you work for, will be relevant.   

As dementia is a progressive condition, there will likely come a time when continuing to work is no longer possible.

There are many reasons why people have to give up work – it is not a failure to have a condition that makes it impossible to continue working.

At this stage, it’s important to be aware of your pension rights and any benefits you may be entitled to. You may also want to consider other ways to keep active and involved.