Getting a job with epilepsy is 10 times harder - I've applied for 300 jobs in a year

Since being diagnosed with epilepsy at 13 years old, Sophie Morgan has tried everything to have a "normal" life, from invasive brain surgery to various medications.

But one of the 28-year-old's greatest challenges has been getting a job.

Despite having an undergraduate and a master's degree, Sophie said she had applied for 300 jobs in the past year with just one interview and no success.

"I have to accept it. It's wrong, but I'm learning to adjust to it."

Sophie, from Newport, said employers repeatedly told her they "cannot facilitate" her condition, while recruiters "fall silent" when she mentions her condition.

"Trying to find a job with epilepsy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It's 10 times harder for us and a constant battle."

Only 44% of people with epilepsy are currently employed, according to UK government data.

"I'm qualified, I'm experienced, I would like to say I'm a nice person... I don't think I'm an issue for a workplace, but they always seem to think I'm an issue," she said.

"It has become more difficult... I have all the tools I need, I've just not been able to use them."

Despite having a bachelor's degree in education with additional learning needs and inclusion and a master's degree in developmental and therapeutic play, Sophie has spent the past year fielding rejection emails.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects your brain and causes seizures, otherwise known as fits. It cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage it.

Sophie had two brain surgeries in 2024 to try and determine the cause of her epilepsy and they revealed it would be too unsafe to remove the part of her brain causing it.

This devastated Sophie as she pinned her hopes on it giving her more freedom to live a "normal" life.

"The fact that both of my surgeries failed... it almost felt like I did it all for nothing."

She had to come off her medication for six months so doctors could monitor her seizures and needed 24-hour care for weeks after the operation.

Due to this, and the surgery taking place in Cardiff, Sophie had to leave her job in children's education and give up her rented home in Swansea, something she really struggled with.

"When I got the keys to that flat it felt like I'd reached the top of Mount Everest," she said.

"Giving that flat up absolutely broke my heart."

She described being "so proud of herself" when she got the flat as she had come so far since being diagnosed with epilepsy.

To help her get back on her feet, Sophie moved in with her cousin in Newport, but what was meant to be six months has turned into two years.

"Because I can't find a job, I can't move out. If I could get a job that could all change, but it just seems employers aren't open enough, they aren't opening their arms to people with epilepsy."

"I am trying my hardest... living with my cousin, although it's been a massive help for me, it's definitely something I want to move on from.

"It has been really really difficult and my mental health has taken a massive hit."

Sophie is not alone in feeling like her condition hinders her ability to get a job, according to a study by Epilepsy Action, six in 10 said they had faced discrimination because of their condition.

In a separate study by the charity of 500 employers and managers, nearly half reported being reluctant to recruit someone with epilepsy.

Out of all of her applications, Sophie said she had one interview, in April.

"As soon as I mentioned epilepsy, the tone changed, it was like the temperature changed in the room," she said.

"I felt very uncomfortable, they sort of dodged it, didn't want to know more about it, no questions asked.

"But I wanted to tell them you don't have to worry about me collapsing on the floor during work, it doesn't work like that."

Sophie said job applications varied - some applications offer a tick box to disclose disabilities, while for others she has to disclose it at a later date.

"I do like to address it in an interview, it's not something I want to hide, it's not something I'm embarrassed or ashamed of, I want to address it."

Sophie gets job seekers allowance and Personal Independent Payment, but until she receives a wage she cannot get support for housing.

One of her frustrations is the "lack of knowledge" about epilepsy among employers and it was not just "flashing lights, on the floor, convulsing".

Many of her seizures are absence seizures, where people briefly lose awareness of what's going on around them.

Sophie compared it to daydreaming, but is completely unaware of what she does in those moments and they leave her feeling drained and exhausted.

"They are not particularly dangerous, you're not at risk of hurting yourself or anyone else. My convulsions are very rare, I have maybe three or four a year, they don't massively impact my life."

Sophie is part of many online support groups for people with epilepsy who say they experience the same issue.

"It just feels like we're stuck in one place, and I don't think it's just epilepsy, I think it's disabilities on the whole."

Sophie hopes for greater awareness from employers in the future and openness to learn more about it.

Epilepsy Action said all employers have a legal duty under the Equality Act to not discriminate and provide reasonable adjustments for employees with epilepsy.

Employees can make subtle changes, such as adjusting start times to accommodate travel or providing flexible breaks to manage stress and reduce seizures, the charity said.

"Creating inclusive workplaces where people with epilepsy can succeed is not only beneficial to the people with epilepsy, but also the employer," it added.

"People with epilepsy often bring a wide range of skills and experience, including those they've learned through living with their condition such as strong resilience.

"We know that when employers have the right awareness and make simple adjustments people with epilepsy can and do thrive."