A PROJECT aiming to get more people with arthritis into the workplace has been launched after a survey found almost seven out of 10 sufferers cannot hold down full-time jobs.
The Working with Arthritis programme, run in conjunction with Arthritis Ireland, Fás training agency and healthcare giant Abbott, aims to provide practical support for people with the debilitating condition who wish to remain in or return to the workforce.
Participants will learn how to manage their condition at work, reduce pain and deal with fatigue.
Sufferers will also receive practical advice on applying for jobs, communicating with employers about arthritis, employment legislation, retraining and access to grants.
Arthritis Ireland chief executive John Church said: "For people with arthritis, working is not just important as a source of income, it is key to maintaining their independence, feeling successful and meeting and interacting with others." The survey, carried out in conjunction with Working With Arthritis, showed that two in three of respondents not working are hoping to return to work.
Sufferers said coping with fatigue and lost time due to illness were the biggest obstacles to employment. Other factors were dependency on an adapted work environment, flexible work arrangements and greater understanding by employers.
About half of those surveyed had rheumatoid arthritis, 21 per cent had osteo-arthritis while 32 per cent had other types.