Employment statistics can miss an important part of epilepsy: being employed does not necessarily mean being able to work at the level, hours or occupation a person would otherwise choose.
What is underemployment?
Underemployment can include working fewer hours than wanted, taking a lower-paid role, moving into work below a person’s qualifications, avoiding promotion, or leaving an occupation because seizure risk, driving rules, shift work or employer attitudes make the original role difficult.
Why epilepsy can affect work even without frequent seizures
Work may be affected by postictal recovery, fatigue, memory problems, medication side effects, appointments, driving restrictions, night-shift risks, stigma or uncertainty about when the next seizure will occur.
European evidence
A 2025 systematic review found that unemployment and underemployment remain important problems in Europe and identified seizure control and employer attitudes among influential factors.
Disclosure and reasonable adjustments
Whether and when health information must be disclosed depends on the job, risks and national law. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 can require reasonable adjustments for disabled employees where the legal definition is met.
Access to Work
In Great Britain, Access to Work may help with practical work-related costs for eligible disabled people. It does not replace an employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Work below your skills has consequences
The impact can affect identity, confidence, career progression, pension contributions and long-term opportunities, not only income.
Related reading
Sources and further reading
- Epilepsy and Employment in Europe: a systematic review. 2025. PMID: 40259609.
- Employability in people with epilepsy: a systematic review. 2015. PMID: 26354169.
- GOV.UK: Access to Work.
Evidence checked: September 2026.