Employment opportunities for people with chronic diseases : executive summary

Chronic diseases are health problems requiring ongoing treatment for a period of years or decades, implying that these diseases are recurrent, long-lasting, persistent and cannot be cured. Though they may or may not be caused (or made worse) by work, chronic diseases can have a serious impact on the working capacities of the people affected. Chronically ill employees often experience great difficulties either staying at work or returning to work after a long period of absence. This report reviews the main definitions and available information on chronic diseases in relation to employment in the EU Member States and Norway.