Career Choices
Choosing your career
In the UK, modern treatments like prophylaxis (preventative care) have changed what is possible. If you have a bleeding disorder, you now have more career options than previous generations. Many people with severe bleeding disorders work in physically demanding roles, such as construction, engineering, farming, and healthcare. Others hold professional positions in accounting, teaching, and business management.
When picking a path, consider the long-term impact on your body. While you can do many things, highly physical roles may put extra stress on your joints or increase your risk of bleeds. It is worth thinking about how a job will suit you, not just now, but in ten or twenty years.
Careers in the emergency services and armed forces
Joining the police, fire service, or armed forces is possible, but it depends on the severity of your condition and how well it is managed.
- The Challenge: These roles involve a higher risk of injury and intense physical demands.
- The Process: You are not automatically barred from these jobs. Most services assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
- Next Steps: Talk to your bleeding disorders team about your goals. It is also helpful to contact recruitment offices directly to ask about their medical requirements.
If frontline roles are not an option, you can still contribute through vital support positions. The police and fire services need specialists in cybercrime, intelligence, logistics, and emergency control centres.
Your rights under the law
The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability or health condition. This protection applies to every stage of employment, including:
- Job applications and interviews.
- Pay and contract terms.
- Promotions and training.
- Redundancy or dismissal.
Recruitment rules
An employer can only ask about your health during recruitment for specific reasons, such as:
- Checking if you can perform a task essential to the job.
- Arranging “reasonable adjustments” for your interview (like easy access or extra time).
- Monitoring diversity in their workforce.
Telling your employer
Deciding whether to tell your boss about your bleeding disorder is a personal choice.
If you disclose your condition, your employer is legally required to make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job. Telling them can also reduce stress, as you won’t have to hide medical appointments or symptoms. However, if your condition has no impact on your work, you might prefer to wait until you feel comfortable.
If you are worried about a negative reaction, you can ask your haemophilia centre for support or speak to an employment law specialist before having the conversation.
Flexible working and adjustments
Employers must make reasonable changes to ensure you aren’t at a disadvantage. This might include providing specialised equipment or altering your workstation.
Flexible working: After 26 weeks of employment, you have the right to request flexible working. This can help you manage treatment schedules or clinic appointments. While an employer can say no for valid business reasons, they must consider your request seriously.
Being flexible in return, such as offering to swap shifts or make up hours spent at the hospital, often helps maintain a good relationship with your manager.
If you feel your employer treats you unfairly or unreasonably excludes you from your job, contact your human resources department (HR department) to discuss.
Useful links
Get support in work if you have a disability or health condition (Access to Work)
Support to help you keep your job when ill or disabled
Disclaimer: Some of the content of this page has been provided by GOV.UK and is for general information only. It is subject to change without notice.