ADHD UK, a charity supporting individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), voices concerns over job loss due to medication shortages. Henry Shelford, the charity’s representative, highlights that interruptions to medication supply have led to employers losing patience with affected workers, impacting their ability to manage symptoms like focus issues. The government acknowledges the problem and aims to address it swiftly.
Production issues and rising ADHD diagnoses contribute to the shortage. Shelford worries about a prolonged shortage beyond April. The charity estimates that 1.9 million UK adults have ADHD, with 6% reporting job loss due to medication scarcity. This suggests hundreds may be unemployed due to prescription unavailability. Some individuals, like a woman sharing her experience anonymously, face workplace discrimination when requesting accommodations for medication-related challenges.
What steps do you think employers and policymakers should take to better support individuals with ADHD in the workplace during medication shortages?