Jobs for People with Lyme Disease 

Lyme disease is an infection people can catch from a tick bite. The bite can cause initial moderate symptoms that last for a brief period, or it can cause complications and lead to chronic symptoms.

There are thought to be around 1000-1500 people infected with Lyme disease every year in the U.K. Around 10-20% of those cases turn into what is known as chronic Lyme disease. Of these people, 72% say that their quality of life is severely impacted by the condition. 

Many people with chronic Lyme disease state that they are unable to work due to the condition and its symptoms. For this reason, we believe that people living with Lyme disease deserve extra support with employment and recruitment. On this page, we are going to try to provide this support.

What Kind of Jobs Can People with Lyme Disease Do?

Lyme disease can affect people in many different ways, with symptoms including: 

• Fatigue 
• Aches and pains
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Brain fog
• Associated mental health concerns including depression and anxiety 

Due to these symptoms, many people with the condition feel that they cannot work and they may frequently have illness-related absences from work. This can lead to further stress and anxiety, and financial problems. 

However, with the right support and adaptability, people with Lyme disease, including chronic Lyme disease, can find jobs that work for them. The jobs that will work for them will depend on the inclusivity and accessibility of the workplace, the level of support offered by the employer, and the level of flexibility offered. 

What Support Helps People with Lyme Disease?

Being happy and comfortable at work with Lyme disease will often depend on the reasonable adjustments that an employer can offer. If the right kind of working environment can be created, it is much easier for people with Lyme disease to continue to work. 

Some reasonable adjustments that help people with Lyme disease can be:

• Flexible working hours
• Remote/hybrid working options 
• Longer and more frequent breaks
• Time off to see doctors/receive treatment 
• Changes in physical work setting including chairs and screens
• Extended deadlines/reduced workload in difficult periods

When someone is supported in the way they need (and deserve) at work, it is easier for them to keep their position and reduce their absences. This is something that benefits both employer and employee. 

Where Can People with Lyme Disease Find Inclusive Jobs?

If you want to find a safe and inclusive job as a disabled job seeker, you can find it right here on Careers with Disabilities.  

Check out our disability-friendly job board for opportunities that suit you in your area.