THIS week is National Epilepsy Week (May 20-26) and I am writing to you as an associate member of the National Society for Epilepsy to ask for your help in raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy.

The theme of this year's National Epilepsy Week is employment. In spite of disability discrimination legislation, a survey by the NSE has shown there is still significant prejudice against people with epilepsy in the workplace.

The survey, published this week, shows that 45 per cent of respondents have experienced prejudice in the workplace and 35 per cent believe they have lost a job because of their epilepsy.

Employers should be aware people with epilepsy can be as successful and effective at work as any other equally qualified person. In fact, research has shown that people with epilepsy often have better than average sickness and job loyalty records.

People with epilepsy can do most jobs. The majority can use computers. Many can drive.

Epilepsy affects one in 200 people - that's more than 300,000 people in the UK. Most will not have seizures providing they take prescribed drugs, but even those whose seizures are resistant to medication can - and do - make good employees.

The NSE has produced two new epilepsy and employment information leaflets, one for employers and the other for people seeking employment.

These are available by writing to the Information Department, National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RJ.

The NSE also has a helpline for anyone wanting to know about any aspect of epilepsy ( 01494 601400) and a website at: www.epilepsynse.org.uk There is also a special epilepsy and employment website at: www.epilepsyweek.org.uk

JA Farley

Gunners Lane

Studley