Jobs for HIV-Positive People

Being HIV-Positive is something that still, unfortunately, carries a stigma in our modern society. Many people still carry misunderstandings and stereotypes about people with HIV-positive status. This causes many people with the condition to feel that they cannot partake in society as others do.

This can impact many areas of a person’s life, including friendships, relationships, family dynamics, and, importantly in our focus, work and employment. It is common for people who are HIV-positive to feel uncomfortable disclosing their status and so feel that they cannot work openly and authentically with those around them.

At Careers with Disabilities, we believe that everyone deserves equal and fair opportunities at work. We want to help people of abilities with all sorts of conditions, disabilities, and life experiences to enter the workforce in a way that they are safe and happy. 

On this page, we are going to talk a little more about how HIV-positive people can find fair and inclusive employment. 

How Does Being HIV-Positive Affect Work?

HIV is no longer the extreme medical issue that it was once. While, for some people, there are still medical complications and side effects, for most people, the condition can be very effectively managed via medication and treatment. A lot of people with an HIV-positive status actually can’t transfer the condition to anyone else as they proceed with medication and treatment. 

As such, being HIV-Positive can have fewer physical side effects for work and employment than mental and social side effects. Even though someone may feel physically well, their journey with HIV can still significantly impact them at work and they may still need adjustments to be made to their environment. 

How Can HIV-Positive People Be Supported at Work?

People who are HIV-positive deserve support and fair treatment at work. Some work-based support that can be particularly important includes:

• Inclusive work environments: Working somewhere accepting of other people can be a lot less stressful for people with HIV. If a workplace is open and diverse, it will be comfortable for people to disclose their status and have authentic conversations. 

• Flexible hours: As HIV does not come without medical side effects all of the time and medical care is necessary, flexible working hours can really help someone who is HIV manage both their work and their health. Many people will also attend support groups. Having the time to do this without needing to go part-time can be a big help. 

 

• Policies on discrimination and harassment: HIV-positive people can unfortunately still face discrimination at work. There should be strict policies and protocols around this. People should be disciplined and dealt with accordingly at any sight of discrimination occurring. 

 

• Education and awareness: For someone with HIV to be fully supported at work, education and awareness should be available for all staff. The more we can learn about conditions and un-learn any negative stereotypes or biases we might have, the more we can support and care for those around us. 

Where to Find Inclusive Jobs in the U.K.

If you want to find a job that meets all of the above criteria, check out our disability-friendly job board on Careers with Disabilities. 

There you can find a job where you can truly be yourself and work safely and happily for years to come. 

We all deserve that opportunity.