Employment and work life

Many people can continue working with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Some people may need support to help them work safely, while others may need to stop working or change their role.

How osteoporosis affects people at work can be different for everyone. It depends on whether you have broken bones, pain, and the type of work you do. This could change over time. The impact might be short-term, for example while you recover from a broken bone, or it might last for longer.

If you can carry out your work in the same way as before, you do not usually have to tell your employer about your osteoporosis. If you do tell them, you may be protected by disability laws. This can protect you from unfair treatment, and your workplace may be able to make changes to help you do your job. You might hear these changes called “adaptations” or “reasonable adjustments”.

But there are some cases where you must tell your employer about your condition. The law on health and safety says that if your symptoms affect your work, you must tell them. This is because you and your employer both have a duty to keep you and others safe in the workplace.

There may be some jobs where you must tell your employer even if you can carry out your work as usual. You can speak to your employer or check your contract of employment to see if this is the case for you.

Some people worry that their employer or colleagues might treat them differently. But it can help to tell them because they have a responsibility to support you and make sure your job is safe for you to do.

Your employer should take reasonable steps to protect your health and safety at work. If osteoporosis, broken bones, or a high risk of broken bones affect your work, they should think about how to help you work safely. The law says this in the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). In Northern Ireland, it’s the Health and Safety at Work Order (1978).

Everyone has the right to ask for flexible working. This might include changes to your working hours, location or pattern of work. Your employer may refuse your application, but they must give it fair consideration.

You should not be treated unfairly because of osteoporosis. If your condition counts as a disability by law, your employer must make reasonable adjustments. These changes should help you do your job safely, without being at a disadvantage.

For example, if you lift heavy objects at work, an adjustment could be providing equipment to help with lifting. Your employer does not have to agree to every change you ask for. Whether a change is reasonable depends on things like how practical it is and how much it costs. The law says this in the Equality Act (2010). In Northern Ireland, it’s the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). You’re covered by the same laws whether you work part time or full time.

Is osteoporosis a disability?

Osteoporosis does not automatically count as a disability. It depends on how much osteoporosis or broken bones affect your daily life. If your condition has a big impact on your daily life for a long time, it may count as a disability. You can read more on the Acas website about what counts as a disability by law.

It may also count as a disability if it’s likely to recur, even if you’re feeling better at the moment. For example, if you have a broken bone that has healed but you have a high risk of having more broken bones.

You may feel you need changes (reasonable adjustments) at work even if your osteoporosis does not count as a disability. You can still ask your manager if there is anything they can do to support you. However, you will not be protected by law, and they do not have to agree to your request.

What if I'm off sick?

If you need time off because of osteoporosis or a broken bone, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Some employers may offer a higher rate of sick pay. You can check your employment contract or policies at work for more information.

If you’re off work, talk to your employer about what you need to do. If you’re off work for more than seven days, you may need a fit note from a healthcare professional. You can find out more about sick pay on the government website.

You may be worried about being off work for a long time, especially if you’ve had a spinal fracture. Recovery times are different for everyone, and the law does not state a maximum time that you’re allowed to be off work. It can be helpful to stay in touch with your employer while you’re off sick and ask them about the sickness policies at your workplace. Keeping them informed can also help them plan how to support you when you return to work.

Returning to work after a broken bone

When you can return to work after a broken bone depends on which bone you’ve broken, your job, and your symptoms. It’s best to discuss this with your healthcare professional and your employer. You may be able to return to work sooner if changes (reasonable adjustments) can be made to support you. These changes might include:

• doing a different type of work for a short period

• having a phased return (working fewer hours or days at first to help you build up to your previous hours)

• changing how you work so you do not have to reach, carry, lift or move in a way that’s uncomfortable for you.

How osteoporosis affects you at work depends on the type of job you do. For some people, lifting, bending, twisting, or standing for a long time may increase your risk of pain, falls, or broken bones. If you’ve had broken bones and you work at a desk or sit for a long time, you may be more at risk of neck and back pain.

If your job involves physical tasks, it does not always mean you have to stop work. You can speak to your manager, or your Occupational Health service if your workplace has one, to understand your individual risks. Occupational Health teams can help people manage their health conditions at work or return to work after illness or injury. Your employer should offer you training on how to do physical tasks safely. This includes caring jobs that involve lifting young children or patients. You can also look at our information on moving and lifting safely.

Here are some examples of changes (reasonable adjustments) you could discuss with your employer:

Physical tasks and lifting

• Use a trolley or other equipment to help you move heavy items.

• Reduce the size of loads you carry.

• Reduce tasks that involve repeated bending, twisting or turning.

• Avoid tasks where there is a risk of falling, such as working at height.

• Get help from another member of staff to lift heavy objects.

• Vary tasks throughout the day rather than doing physical work for long periods.

• Slow down during tasks that are physically difficult. Have longer breaks or rest periods.

Desk jobs

• Ask for a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment to make sure your workspace is right for you.

• Use an adjustable chair with good back support.

• Use a footrest or backrest.

• Use wrist supports for your keyboard or mouse.

• Use voice-to-text technology so you do not have to type so much.

• Use a desk that can be adjusted in height.

• Consider a desk that allows you to alternate between standing and sitting.

• Take more regular breaks to stretch and change position.

• Keep items you need within easy reach to reduce bending, reaching, and twisting.

Working hours and location

• Request flexible working hours if your pain or fatigue is worse at certain times of day. For example, ask to swap from night shifts to day shifts.

• Discuss reducing your hours, either on a short-term or permanent basis.

• Work from home for some or all the time, if your job can be done from home and you have a suitable workstation.

• Ask for flexibility to attend medical appointments and treatments.

• Ask for a parking space closer to your workplace entrance if walking is a problem.

• Ask for access to a toilet, kitchen and other facilities on the same floor to avoid stairs where possible.

• Avoid travelling to work on days when roads may be icy and slippery.

Your employer should think about how they can help you work safely. You might discuss this with your manager, HR, or your Occupational Health service, if your workplace has one.

Before talking to them, it may be helpful to think about:

• the ways your osteoporosis or broken bones affect you

• if you think your osteoporosis counts as a disability by law

• anything you’re finding difficult at work

• adjustments you think would help

• what would happen without those adjustments (for example, more pain or an increased risk of falling or breaking a bone).

Some people feel uncomfortable talking about their health. But it's important to explain how your condition affects you and how you do your job. If you tell your workplace what is difficult for you, they may be able to find ways to help you continue working safely.

Some people with osteoporosis may decide to look for a new job that better suits their needs. This is a personal choice and depends on your symptoms and the type of work you do. Before you leave your job, check that you understand your rights to sick leave, pension, flexible working and reasonable adjustments. You can use the information on this page to help you. You can also check your employment contract or workplace policies. Many people with osteoporosis find they can continue in their job with the right support.

If you decide to find a new job, or if you're unemployed and seeking work, there are ways to get help:

• The Access to Work scheme can help people with a disability to get work or stay in work. You may be able to get a grant to help pay for practical support at work. This could be a change to your workspace, special equipment, or the cost of travelling to work.

• Look for Disability Confident employers. These are employers that have committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. Companies that are Disability Confident will often mention this in their job adverts.

• Speak to a Disability Employment Advisor at your local Jobcentre Plus (or Jobs and Benefits office in Northern Ireland). These are special work coaches who help disabled people find jobs that are right for them.

• Some people choose to volunteer instead of doing paid work. This could help to rebuild confidence, develop new skills, or do something meaningful. You can find out more about our current volunteering opportunities here.

• Some people with health conditions and disabilities choose to become self-employed. This may not be right for everyone. Self-employment can give you more flexibility, but fewer legal rights than an employee. Disability charity Scope explains that there are many pros and cons to consider.

Work can also take many forms beyond paid employment. Running a household or caring for children or adults at home can be a big responsibility. These activities may also be affected by osteoporosis or broken bones.

You can read more about money and managing at home on our Financial Support and Support at Home pages.

Early retirement and pensions

Depending on your personal situation, you may decide to stop work. If you retire early, you cannot usually get your state pension until you reach State Pension age. If you have a personal or workplace pension, you may be able to get it earlier if you’re retiring due to ill health. Find out more on the government website or speak to your pension provider.

It’s normal to have questions or worries about how to balance work with looking after your health. But many people with osteoporosis can continue working and have successful careers. Here are some places where you can find further information and support:

Help with workplace adjustments and employment rights

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)

Advice about disability at work, reasonable adjustments and conversations with your employer. They also provide templates and practical guidance.

Phone: 0300 123 1100

The Equality Advisory & Support Service (EASS)

Information about discrimination and your rights at work. They also provide template letters if your employer has not made reasonable adjustments.

Phone: 0808 800 0082

Northern Ireland: Labour Relations Agency

Phone: 03300 555 300

Help finding or staying in work

Scope

Support for disabled people who are working, looking for work or planning their next steps.

Phone: 0808 800 3333

Trade Unions

If you're a union member, your union may be able to provide advice, representation and workplace support. Not every type of job has a trade union.

Legal and Independent Advice

Citizens Advice (England)
Phone: 0800 144 8848

Citizens Advice (Wales)
Phone: 0800 702 2020

Citizens Advice (Scotland)
Phone: 0800 028 1456

Independent Advice Network (Northern Ireland)
Phone: 0800 915 4604