IT'S a fact that a large percentage of people who develop the crippling condition of rheumatoid arthritis are forced to give up work only a few years after being diagnosed.

Others with less severe forms of arthritis stay in employment, but frequently struggle to cope with the dual demands of work and a debilitating condition.

Now leading medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign has produced a new leaflet called "Work and Arthritis" which suggests ways of how to manage, and how flexible ways of working can be developed to suit both the person with arthritis and their employer.

The leaflet also explains the provision of the Disability Discrimination Act, which requires employers to help disabled employees to remain in work, and sets out how to weigh up the financial and social pros and cons of staying in employment, or deciding to leave the world of work.

For a free copy of "Work and Arthritis", please write to the address below:

Debbie Branscombe

Arthritis Research Campaign

St Mary's Gate

Chesterfield

Derbyshire

S41 7TD