Sophie Morgan Rejected from 300 Jobs in a Year Due to Epilepsy Challenges

Sophie Morgan, diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, has applied for 300 jobs in a year but faces rejection due to employers' reluctance to accommodate her condition despite her qualifications and experience.

Epilepsy: Sophie Morgan Faces Job Rejections Despite Qualifications

Sophie Morgan was compelled to leave her job in 2024 to undergo brain surgeries, but she has been unable to secure new employment since then.

Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13, Sophie has pursued various treatments, including brain surgeries and multiple medications, in an effort to live a "normal" life.

One of her greatest challenges now, at 28 years old, is finding a job.

Despite holding both a degree and a master's degree, Sophie reports having applied for 300 jobs over the past year, receiving only one unsuccessful interview.

"I have to accept it. It's not right, but I'm learning to adapt to it," she said.

Sophie, from Newport, states that employers have often told her they cannot make adjustments for her condition or become silent when she mentions it.

"Trying to find a job with epilepsy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack – it's ten times harder for us, and it's a constant battle," she said.

According to UK Government data, only 44% of people with epilepsy are employed.

Sophie Morgan gyda'i mam Erica ar ddiwrnod ei graddio — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Er bod ganddi radd meistr, mae Sophie yn dweud ei bod wedi cael ei gwrthod ar gyfer 300 o swyddi yn y flwyddyn ddiwethaf

'I'm Not a Problem for Any Workplace'

"I'm qualified, I have experience, and I would like to think I'm a nice person," Sophie said.

"I don't think I'm a problem for any workplace – but they always think I am."

Although she holds a degree in education with additional learning needs and inclusion, and a master's in developmental play and therapy, Sophie has spent the past year facing rejections for jobs.

Epilepsy is a condition affecting the brain that causes seizures or fits.

There is no complete cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms.

Sophie underwent two brain surgeries in 2024 to try to identify the cause of her epilepsy, but it was concluded that removing the affected brain area would not be safe.

She described this as a major blow, having hoped it would give her more freedom to live a "normal" life.

She had to stop taking medication for six months so doctors could monitor her seizures and required 24-hour care for weeks after surgery.

Because the surgery took place in Cardiff, Sophie had to leave her primary education job and give up the rented house she had in Swansea – both significant losses for her.

Sophie Morgan ar ei diwrnod graddio — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Mae Sophie yn dweud fod ceisio dod o hyd i swydd yn "frwydr barhaus"

Sophie describes the search for employment as a "constant battle."

She moved into a family member's home in Newport, initially planned for six months, but she has now lived there for two years.

"Because I can't find a job, I can't move out," she said.

"If I could get a job, that could change, but employers don't seem open-minded enough and don't welcome people with epilepsy.

"It's been very, very difficult, and my mental health has taken a huge hit."

Sophie is not alone in feeling her condition affects her employment prospects.

According to the charity Epilepsy Action, six out of ten people report experiencing discrimination due to epilepsy.

In another study by the charity involving 500 employers and managers, nearly half said they would be reluctant to recruit someone with epilepsy.

Sophie mewn gwely ysbyty — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Dywedodd Sophie bod ei hiechyd meddwl "wedi cael ergyd enfawr"

Sophie said her mental health "has taken a huge hit."

Of all her applications, Sophie said she had one interview in April.

"Once I mentioned epilepsy, the tone changed," she said.

"I felt very uncomfortable. They ignored it in a way – they didn't want to know more or ask questions.

"But I wanted to tell them there was no need to worry about me collapsing at work – it doesn't work like that."

Sophie noted that some job applications include a box to disclose disabilities, while others require her to mention it later.

"I like to refer to it in an interview – I don't want to hide it, and it's not something I'm ashamed of."

Sophie Morgan mewn gwely ysbyty — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Cafodd Sophie lawdriniaeth naw awr yn 2024 er mwyn ceisio canfod achos ei thrawiadau

Sophie underwent a nine-hour surgery in 2024 to try to identify the cause of her seizures.

She receives Jobseeker's Allowance and Personal Independence Payment, but without employment, she cannot access support to find housing.

One frustration for her is the "lack of knowledge" about epilepsy among employers – "it's not flashing lights or collapsing on the floor," she said.

Many of her seizures are absence seizures, where individuals lose awareness of their surroundings for a short period.

Sophie feels fortunate that her friends have learned about her condition to support her.

Sophie Morgan gyda'i ffrindiau — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Mae Sophie yn dweud ei bod yn lwcus bod ei ffrindiau wedi dysgu am ei chyflwr er mwyn ei chefnogi

Epilepsy Action stated that every employer has a legal responsibility under the Equality Act to avoid discrimination and make reasonable adjustments for people with epilepsy.

"Creating an inclusive workplace where people with epilepsy can succeed benefits not only those with the condition but also the employer," a spokesperson said.

If this article has affected you, information and support are available on the BBC Action Line website.

Follow Cymru Fyw on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.

Send story ideas to cymrufyw@bbc.co.uk or contact via WhatsApp at 07709850033.

for the latest news from Wales on your mobile device.