When an employee is having difficulties in work because of their long-term condition, they should tell their manager they need support. A time and place should be set for a one-to-one meeting to talk about this.
In this meeting, a support action plan should be agreed and recorded together. This is a simple document that can be used to put new reasonable adjustments in place. A reasonable adjustment may include a referral to Occupational Health for further support. It should be agreed how often the plan needs to be reviewed. This may need to be long term.
This is what usually happens when someone with a long-term condition needs support at work, but not all employers are the same. Different employers will have different processes around supporting employees with long-term conditions. Employers are encouraged to make all employees aware of any relevant policies they have. This could include a return-to-work policy or a flexible working policy for example.
It is important to get information from places you can trust. This includes NHS websites and charities that help people with long-term health conditions.
NHS information pages
A to Z guide of conditions. Find out about health conditions, including their symptoms and how they are treated.
Conditions A to Z - NHS
Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity. It has good advice on long-term conditions and some links to common condition specific charities.
Where to get support with a long-term condition | Independent Age
Acas
A service that works to improve workplace relationships.
What reasonable adjustments are - Reasonable adjustments at work - Acas