Recognition of fibromyalgia as a disability

A debate will be held in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 15 January 2019 on the recognition of fibromyalgia as a disability. The debate will be opened by Toby Perkins MP.

In his submission to the Backbench Business Committee, Mr Perkins said that the debate followed a petition that called for the recognition of fibromyalgia as a disability and greater awareness of the condition amongst healthcare professionals, Government departments and employers:

The debate follows a petition on fibromyalgia, which I presented in Parliament. It was a physical petition signed by 1,379 people. It mirrored an online petition on the change.org website that was signed by 104,551 people, contending that fibromyalgia is a disability. The petition called for greater research into the causes and treatment of fibromyalgia, and for greater awareness of fibromyalgia among the medical profession, Government Departments and employers. Fibromyalgia is a condition that is hugely misdiagnosed and under reported. It is debilitating, it is draining and it reduces people who have worked hard for years to fatigued and listless lives of pain and discomfort. It features chronic pain, muscle stiffness and excessive fatigue. There is no known cure for it, and as many as 1.5 million to 2 million people in the UK may well be victims of it, including dozens of people in every single Member’s constituency. The petition was started by Adrienne and Leann Lakin from Chesterfield, and at least 12 hon. Members have already indicated an interested in speaking in the debate. With the Committee’s permission we would like to have a Westminster Hall debate so that it can be given greater awareness and profile.