Martin Whitfield MSP is helping promote this year’s Migraine Awareness Week, which is taking place from 22 to 28 September.

Migraine is a serious neurological condition which can cause debilitating pain, visual disturbances and nausea, and affects one in seven people in the UK. This week charities and campaigners are highlighting how misunderstandings about migraine can have devastating implications for the careers and personal lives of those with the condition.

The Migraine Trust has published new research which shows that 60% of people would be concerned about hiring a qualified candidate with migraine, while 58% of those with the condition have avoided telling their organisation or colleagues for fear of being judged. 15% of people with migraine had been forced to move from full-time to part-time work and 19% had been forced to leave a job entirely.

Supporting the week, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Migraine is much more than ‘just a headache’ and can have devastating consequences for people’s careers and personal lives.

“Shocking new research from The Migraine Trust for #MigraineAwarenessWeek shows 15% of people with migraine have been forced to move from full-time to part-time work and 19% have had to leave a job entirely.

“This Migraine Awareness Week, I’m supporting The Migraine Trust’s campaign to change what migraine means in the workplace.”

Find out more at Home – The Migraine Trust.