Getting Back To Work After Stroke

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Getting Back To Work After Stroke
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• Why work after stroke?
• Who and what can help?
• Case Study
• What next?

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Why work after stroke?

• Positive effect on the individual family unit
• Positive effect on society

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Barriers

• Not enough rehab, feeling written off
• Pressure to return too soon
• Not knowing who can help
• Non-physical invisible side of stroke
• Not being able to drive
• Benefits trap, recession

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Enablers

• Positive rehab staff
• No pressure to return too soon
• Supportive employers
• Access to Work, Disability Employment Advisers
• Employment Schemes, e.g. Work Choice
• Driving
• Charities (work experience)

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The Equality Act 2010

• Replaced Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
• Requires employers to make reasonable adjustments
• Covers all aspects of employment

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What are reasonable adjustments?

• Employers have a duty to make reasonable
  adjustments to workplaces work practices
• BUT there is no fixed definition of reasonable!
  
• This depends on
• practicality
• cost
• the extent to which business may be disrupted

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What are reasonable adjustments?

• Reasonable adjustments include
• A phased return to work
• Modifying a job description
• Flexibility around working hours
• Adjusting performance targets
• Ensuring easy access
• Changing time of a job interview/appraisal if it
  coincides with a medical appointment

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Case Study

• Stu Browns story how he returned to work after
  his stroke

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What next?

• PLAN
• Dont rush back too soon take your time, speak
  to your GP
• Keep lines of communication open with your
  employer
• Negotiate a phased return to work
• Be prepared for fatigue

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Who can help?

• A buddy or mentor may speak up for you and
  explain your situation
• HR department, Occupational Health Department, or
  trade union rep
• If you feel under pressure, speak to your manager
  to explain your concerns

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Exploring New Opportunities

• Access To Work
• Work Choice/Work Programme
• Remploy
• Shaw Trust
• Self-employment
• Volunteering

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Further Information

• For further information and support in returning
  to work contact
• Different Strokes
• 9 Canon Harnett Court
• Wolverton Mill
• Milton Keynes
• MK12 5NF
• 01908 317618 or 0845 130 7172
• info_at_differentstrokes.co.uk
• www.differentstrokes.co.uk