Sickle Cell and Work

The website titled Sickle Cell Work and Employment (hosted via De Montfort University) is a specialised resource focusing on the employment experiences of people living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). At its core, the site presents research-informed policy, tools and guidance aimed at improving workplace inclusion and outcomes for individuals with SCD

The Sickle Cell Work and Employment website, developed by De Montfort University (DMU), is a specialist resource dedicated to improving understanding of how Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) affects people in the workplace. It brings together research, real-world evidence, and practical tools to help employees, employers, and professionals create more inclusive and supportive work environments. The site highlights how SCD can affect work attendance, fatigue levels, pain management, and temperature sensitivity, and how thoughtful workplace practices can make a significant difference.

A key section of the site Reasonable Adjustments provides detailed guidance on how to tailor workplace arrangements to support individuals with SCD. It summarises findings from a DMU project that examined the symptoms associated with SCD and what adjustments could help people stay well and productive at work. The section includes a downloadable guide, “A–Z of Sickle Cell Disorder and Reasonable Adjustments” (available in both PDF and Word formats), which lists specific symptoms and gives examples of corresponding workplace adjustments. For instance, it suggests strategies for managing fatigue (such as flexible or reduced hours), ensuring access to regular hydration and toilet breaks, maintaining comfortable room temperatures, avoiding exposure to cold, and allowing rest periods when needed.

For people living with SCD, the website is a valuable tool for understanding your employment rights and learning how to talk to employers about your health needs. It reinforces that under the Equality Act 2010, SCD is recognised as a disability, which means employers have a legal duty to make “reasonable adjustments” to prevent disadvantage. The site also offers links to further resources and research projects about SCD and employment, helping patients learn from others’ experiences and access evidence-based recommendations.

Additionally, the site provides insight into broader topics such as workplace wellbeing, disclosure and confidentiality, and how to handle sickness absence. It encourages open communication with employers and occupational health teams, and highlights the importance of workplace education — so that colleagues and managers can better understand SCD and respond appropriately during a crisis or period of ill health.

In summary, the Sickle Cell Work and Employment website is both a research hub and a practical support tool. It empowers people with SCD by giving them access to clear, authoritative information about workplace rights, adjustments, and wellbeing. It also helps employers understand how small, thoughtful changes can make a major difference to inclusion, safety, and job satisfaction for individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

The website can be fond here: Sickle Cell Work