CFS/ME & Employment in the UK?

A friend is about to be fired from her job because she might have CFS/ME and has been unable to go into work. If she does get a positive diagnosis, and is fired, can she claim unfair dismissal? Can people with CFS/ME claim disbaility benefits?

Any responses from people in a similar situiation would be much appreciated.

As I am not aware of the UK's laws etc, I can only give you vague information.

If you friend has a diagnosis of CFS/ME and she has notified her boss, and given them medical certification of her health, then she has a fair chance of proving unfair dismissal.

However if she has not been formally diagnosed, then things become a little gray, especially if she has not been given any medical certificates, to hand into her employer (to state her health is poor due to unknown condition, but is under investigation).

Please check out the top link, which is National M.E. Centre, and they will be able to assist far better than I. They should also be able to give your friend advise on what to do, where to get a proper diagnosis, and possibly even tell her of a lawyer who works with CFS sufferers, who have been fired due to unfair dismissal.

If she does eventually get a formal diagnosis encourage her to join a support group, and find out as much information as possible. And she will need good friends like you, for on going support. Family, friends and colleagues are vital to a sufferer, well being, emotionally, mentally and mentally.

In Australia it is illegal to fire someone due to a medical condition, they have or acquired. However the employee must notify their boss of their health condition, especially if it impacts on the employee's ability to work. If a employee does not indicate a medical condition, and is hurt at work, or a colleague is injured due to non disclosure of a medical condition, then things could be very different for the employee.


I work part time, and have two casual jobs, (totalling about 15 hours per week) when I went for my jobs I was up front about my medical condition, I was asked if I felt that it would impact on my ability to work. I told them that at times it may, and if needed I would provide a medical certificate. Mind you I also went with a information kit on CFS and Fibromyalgia, which they took, and I assumed they read. (I know one of my bosses has read information given to her).

Good luck to you and your friend!