Insurer Aviva has partnered with the charity Epilepsy Action to deliver training to staff to help support colleagues with the condition.

Around 40 employees have been trained as the insurer looks to “create a safe and inclusive workplace environment to support colleagues with epilepsy”.

Aviva project manager Erika Spall, who has lived with epilepsy for around seven years, said: “Even as someone living with epilepsy, I learnt new insights on the training.

“Things like the urgency to call an ambulance if a person is having a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, something which is now invaluable knowledge to me. It really is life-changing.”

According to Epilepsy Action, three in five people with epilepsy say they have been discriminated at work, while more than two in five employers say they would avoid hiring someone with the condition “to save their company potential challenges”.

Simon Privett, training and education lead at the charity said that Aviva is “leading by example in implementing appropriate training for their staff members”.

He said: “It was particularly inspiring to see so many employees volunteer themselves for the training.

“Many had some form of motivation for doing this from lived experience, to a family member, friend or colleague with epilepsy.”

He added: “Having these staff members trained will ensure that Aviva colleagues living with epilepsy, will have a calm, knowledgeable colleague to turn to, who is equipped with not just information, but resources and understanding to support them.”

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