14 October 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Reasonable adjustments for disabled employees
Making reasonable adjustments that enable disabled employees to remain in or return to work can present employers with a dilemma when considering what is reasonable. Two recent cases help to clarify the situation a little, including Salford NHS Primary Care Trust v Mrs A Smith. The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled that adjustments offered by the trust – training and an unpaid career break – would not have alleviated the disadvantage experienced by Mrs Smith (a senior therapist who developed CFS) and were therefore not reasonable adjustments.
Employers' Law, p 12-13
01/10/11
Housing benefit challenge thrown out
A judicial review brought by the Child Poverty Action Group, which challenged the legality of the Government's cap on housing benefit, has been thrown out by the High Court.
Guardian, online
13/10/11
Artificial lighting and M.E.
The use of artificial lighting has always been a health and safety issue, with a wide range of conditions potentially being aggravated including lupus, epilepsy, migraines and M.E. According to self-reporting, around 21% of people with M.E. have increased sensitivity to light.
Mondo Arc, p 111-116
01/10/11
Photographs inspired by living with M.E.
Juliet Chenery-Robinson’s daughter Emilia, 19, has had M.E. for six years. A display of Julia’s photographs, inspired by their experiences, is on display at the Gemini Building, White House Road, Peterlee until 26 October. Call M.E. North East for more information on 0191 389 2222.
Sunderland Echo, p 12
12/10/11
Get referred to a CFS specialist
In response to a letter from a reader with CFS following glandular fever, Dr Chris Brown advises that she ask to be referred to a specialist and speak to her GP about fluoxetine tablets to help with energy levels.
Pick Me Up, p 43
20/10/11
Suing the police for damages
Former banker Stephen Walkowycz, who has CFS, is suing Strathclyde Police for £20,000 damages, saying that policeman prodded him with a baton when he was kneeling with his hands cuffed behind him following a domestic dispute between him and his then partner.
Paisley Daily Express, online
13/10/11
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