A survey by Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity has revealed that one in three eating disorder sufferers experience stigma or discrimination in the workplace. Beat explain that eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting 725,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds in the UK. The charity’s survey also found other failings by employers, including 66% were unable to access support for their eating disorder at work and 38% said they used annual leave to attend medical appointments for their eating disorder. Beat say that employers can play an important role in supporting recovery. The stigma and misunderstanding experienced by so many in the workplace should be replaced with support and compassion championed by a formal mechanism of support.

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