World Parkinson’s Day – 11th April: Why Employers Must Prioritise Inclusive HR Practices

By Matthew Chilcott – FCIPD, ACEL – Owner, Consensus HR

Every year on 11th April, World Parkinson’s Day raises awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition affecting over 145,000 people in the UK. For employers and HR professionals, this day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of inclusive employment practices, reasonable adjustments, and compassionate workplace policies.

What Employers Need to Know:

Parkinson’s is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, meaning that employees with Parkinson’s are legally protected from discrimination at work. HR professionals and line managers must ensure they are compliant with UK employment law and best practice HR policies in supporting employees who live with this condition.

Key HR Responsibilities Include:

• Providing reasonable adjustments (e.g., flexible working hours, adapted duties)
• Conducting regular occupational health assessments
• Ensuring line manager training on disability awareness
• Preventing discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion
• Creating a supportive wellbeing strategy within the workplace

Creating a Parkinson’s-Inclusive Workplace:

A robust HR policy framework is crucial to support team members affected by Parkinson’s. This includes not just those living with the condition, but also carers or family members who may require time off or flexible arrangements.

“At Consensus HR, we believe that inclusive and supportive HR practices are the backbone of a successful, people-focused business,” says Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR. “Recognising days like World Parkinson’s Day helps to drive awareness and empathy within teams, and ensures that employers are not just compliant, but also genuinely supportive of their people’s individual needs.”

How Consensus HR Can Help:

At Consensus HR, we work with businesses across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and beyond to create customised HR solutions that meet the legal and ethical needs of modern workplaces. Whether it’s implementing Equality Act-compliant HR policies, providing mental health and wellbeing training, or offering HR audits to assess inclusivity, we help businesses build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

If you’re unsure how to support employees with Parkinson’s or want to review your existing policies, now is the time to act.

📞 Get in touch:

Let’s build a workplace that supports everyone.

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🌐 Website: www.consensushr.com

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