Research conducted by national mental health charity, Bipolar UK has found that 63% of people living with bipolar have lost a job due to their condition.
The charity is now calling for action to support people living with bipolar in the workplace, urging employers to implement meaningful equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies and educate themselves on what bipolar is, and isn’t.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar is classified as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, meaning employers are not allowed to discriminate against people with the condition and have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to enable them to work.
Despite this, research conducted by Bipolar UK states people living with bipolar are often held back in the workplace, with 63% of 835 respondents saying they had lost a job, and 35% saying they’d been overlooked for a promotion due to their condition.
In a separate survey of more than 1000 people living with bipolar, 32% reported being actively discriminated against because they have bipolar, with 43% reporting experiencing stigma because of their condition, leading to a quarter (24%) choosing to keep their condition private.
Many people also stated they had been “forced out” of their role after disclosing their condition to a senior member of staff.
Discrimination against people with Bipolar Disorder
Simon Kitchen, Bipolar UK CEO, says that despite bipolar being a protected characteristic, there is still an alarming degree of discrimination and stigma, and a lack of understanding in the workplace.
He said: “Unfortunately, there is a hidden culture of stigma and discrimination in the workplace for those living with bipolar, as well as a fear of misconceptions and concerns about job loss.
“Despite its ‘protected characteristic’ status under the Equality Act 2010, it is clear bipolar remains a widely misunderstood condition, with many people we spoke to feeling like they have been treated differently at work.
“We have seen a concerning number of situations where, despite it being illegal, discrimination has taken place post-disclosure based solely on a lack of understanding about bipolar.
“As a charity, we are urging employers to improve support and general attitudes to bipolar in the workplace. No-one should have to worry that their managers and colleagues are making assumptions or judging them, let alone live in fear that they could lose their job.
“We work with thousands of people with the condition who are thriving in many different fields, including law, healthcare, finance and IT as well as the creative industries.
“Replacing the fear and ignorance of bipolar with a culture of understanding would make a significant impact, not only for individuals affected by bipolar and their families, but their teammates, senior management, society and the economy in general.”
There are over one million people with bipolar in the UK, which is a severe mental illness characterised by significant and sometimes extreme changes in mood and energy.
The employment rate among people with bipolar is estimated to be between 40-60%, which is significantly lower than the average employment rate of 74% in the general population.
Improving the understanding of bipolar and implementing meaningful EDI policies in the workplace could have a significant positive impact on those with the condition.
Joanna Dunar-Webb, who lives with bipolar, said: “Over the last 25 years, I went through countless hospitality and temp jobs.
“I left either because I became unwell or burnt out, or because I was dismissed due to a lack of support and understanding from employers.
“Despite all this pressure, confusion and alienation, I eventually qualified as a solicitor, and being able to be authentic and speak openly about living with bipolar has vastly improved my sense of personal and professional success.
“As well as practical measures and adjustments like a solid EDI policy, flexible working patterns and a good range of leave of absence options, a working environment where all employees are better educated and aware of bipolar is critical.”
Bipolar UK runs workplace training courses for any business that would like to learn more about the condition and how to support a colleague living with bipolar in the workplace. They also have a free 20-minute e-learning course.
