Fibromyalgia and work

Having fibromyalgia does not have to mean giving up work. Small changes can make a big difference, and the law may protect you.

Is fibromyalgia a disability at work?

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are disabled if you have a physical or mental condition that has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

• Substantial means more than minor or trivial.
• Long-term means it has lasted, or is likely to last, 12 months or more.

Many people with fibromyalgia meet this definition. If a condition comes and goes, it can still count if it is likely to come back.

Reasonable adjustments

If you are disabled, your employer must make reasonable adjustments to remove or reduce the disadvantages you face. What is "reasonable" depends on things like cost and the size of the business. Examples that help people with fibromyalgia include:

• flexible hours, or a later start if mornings are hard
• working from home for some or all of the week
• extra breaks to rest or stretch
• a phased return after sick leave
• a suitable chair, desk or keyboard
• a parking space near the entrance
• changes to duties, such as less heavy lifting
• written instructions and reminders, to help with fibro fog

Telling your employer

You do not have to tell your employer. But your employer only has to make adjustments if they know, or should reasonably know, about your disability. If you decide to tell them:

• ask for a private meeting with your manager or HR
• explain how fibromyalgia affects you at work, not just the name
• suggest adjustments that would help
• ask for anything agreed to be written down

Access to Work

Access to Work is a grant from the Department for Work and Pensions. It can pay for practical support so you can start or stay in work, such as:

• special equipment or software
• taxis to and from work, if you cannot use public transport
• a support worker

There is also a mental health support service. The grant does not have to be paid back, and it does not affect your other benefits. You can apply online at GOV.UK.

Sick leave and sick pay

If you are off sick for more than 7 days in a row, you will need a fit note from your GP or another health professional. The fit note can also suggest changes that would help you return to work.

You may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay from your employer for up to 28 weeks, or more if your contract offers it.

If you cannot work

If fibromyalgia stops you working, or means you can only work a little, you may be able to get:

• Universal Credit, which may include extra money if you have limited capability for work
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), if you have paid enough National Insurance
• PIP, which you can get whether or not you work

The rules for Universal Credit health payments changed for new claims in April 2026, so it is worth checking your situation with a free adviser, such as Citizens Advice.

Read more in fibromyalgia and benefits.

If things go wrong

If you think you have been treated unfairly at work because of your fibromyalgia:

1. Talk to your manager or HR, and keep notes.
2. Raise a formal grievance if needed.
3. Contact Acas for free, confidential advice on 0300 123 1100.
4. If you are a member, contact your trade union.