• Our Work

    Employment Pledge

Ensuring people with addiction and those in recovery have access to the same level of support as people with other chronic health conditions

Working with trade unions, business leaders, experts-by-experience and addiction organisations, we are developing a series of achievable employment pledges that would protect people in addiction and recovery from discrimination in the workplace and improve their access to treatment and support.

We will seek agreement on the changes needed to ensure that people in addiction and recovery receive the same level of support in the workplace as people with other chronic health conditions.

Background

Addiction is a chronic health condition.

Sustaining employment in active addiction and gaining employment in recovery contributes to long-lasting change.

People who find themselves struggling with addiction are often reluctant to seek support for fear of losing employment. Similarly, those in recovery from addiction have concerns that disclosing this would prevent them from either gaining employment or hinder their career progression.

Chronic conditions are those which in most cases cannot be cured, only controlled, and are often life-long and limit the quality of life.

Other examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) asthma, arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

Supporting employees with chronic ill-health can minimise the potential costs of long-term absence and staff turnover as well as promoting productivity and job retention.

Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for workers with chronic illnesses. The exclusion of substance dependence from the Equality Act 2010 leaves people vulnerable, as addiction is more likely to trigger disciplinary action than other chronic health conditions.

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