Healthcare

Legal Rights & Support

Workplace Rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, eczema may qualify as a disability if it has a substantial, long-term impact on your daily activities. This entitles you to protection and support at work.

Reasonable Adjustments

Your employer must make reasonable adjustments such as:

  • Flexible working hours for medical appointments
  • Avoiding exposure to irritants or triggers
  • Providing protective equipment or clothing
  • Adjusting workplace temperature or humidity
  • Allowing regular breaks for applying treatment

How to Request Adjustments:

  1. Document your condition and its impact on work
  2. Write a formal request to your employer or HR
  3. Include medical evidence if possible
  4. Be specific about the adjustments needed
  5. Keep records of all communications
School & Education Rights

Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)

Schools should work with parents to create an IHP for students with severe eczema. This plan should include:

  • Permission to apply creams when needed
  • Safe storage of medications
  • Trigger avoidance strategies
  • Emergency procedures
  • Staff training requirements

Common Accommodations:

  • Allowing breaks for treatment application
  • Modifying PE activities when needed
  • Avoiding known triggers in activities
  • Providing alternative materials if needed
  • Supporting attendance issues related to condition
Financial Support

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If severe eczema prevents you from working, you may be eligible for ESA. This provides:

  • Financial support while unable to work
  • Support to return to work when possible
  • Access to work-related support groups

Other Available Support:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for extra living costs
  • NHS prescription prepayment certificate for medication costs
  • Access to Work grants for workplace adjustments
  • Tax relief on specialist clothing or equipment
Handling Discrimination

If you experience discrimination:

  1. Document all incidents in detail
  2. Follow internal grievance procedures
  3. Seek advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice
  4. Consider legal representation if needed

Time Limits

Most discrimination claims must be made within 3 months of the incident. Seek advice promptly if you experience discrimination.