A charity has criticised the outdated attitudes of those UK employers who continue to discriminate against people with epilepsy as part of a campaign to mark National Epilepsy Week which starts on Sunday, May 20.

Yeadon-based Epilepsy Action argues that, despite its work, unemployment rates among people with epilepsy are still unacceptably high.

The campaign has received the backing of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) as well as the Trades Union Congress and Amicus.

Simon Wigglesworth, the charity's deputy chief executive, said: "Unemployment among disabled people is double the national average, and our findings suggest that the picture is even bleaker for people with epilepsy.

"Epilepsy is an invisible condition and, as such, it is still much misunderstood.

"A lot of employers and their employees seem to fear the consequences of someone having a seizure at work.

"However, many people with epilepsy are completely seizure-free on medication, while others have their seizures well controlled.

"People whose seizures are uncontrolled could still be a valuable member of staff with just a few minor adjustments in the workplace."

Epilepsy Action has produced a series of resources as part of its campaign to improve employment opportunities for people with epilepsy, including two information booklets Employing People with Epilepsy and Work and Epilepsy: An Employee's Guide.