Global MS Employment Report

The report is based on data from a global survey of over 12,200 people affected by MS in 92 countries. Lots of people from the World MS Day community took part in the survey – so thank you!

Key Findings

• 43% of people with MS who were not in employment had stopped working within three years of diagnosis. This figure rose to 70% after ten years.
• 62% of people with MS who were not in employment said fatigue prevented them from staying in work – far less than the 85% reported in 2010.
• Fewer people had reduced their working hours or taken a short term absence compared to 2010 data.
• More people reported not needing to change their working pattern compared to 2010 data.
• Effective changes and adaptations could keep more people with MS in work.
• Many of the changes required to enable people with MS to stay in employment, such as adaptations in the workplace or access to treatments, are achievable through advocacy.

You can read the full report on the MS International Federation website, which also includes recommendations for employers, decision makers and people affected by MS. There is also a summary of the report in Arabic, French, Portuguese and Spanish as well as links to further reading and resources on employment and MS.