And when symptoms flare up, it is unbearable to even consider accomplishing any activity, whether at work or at home. Fibromyalgia has been recognized a long-term disability in Northern Ireland, thanks to the three-year work of patient and client groups. Their efforts have paid off and Fibromyalgia has been classified as a permanent disability by the NI Workplace Disability Scheme (WDS). The WDS is run by the Department for Employment and Social Development (DESD) and ensures that disabled people are not discriminated against in the workplace. The WDS was developed to replace the previous system called "Guaranteed Employee Benefits" (GEB). Under GEB, employers were required to pay disability benefits to employees who became disabled. But this led to many problems, including high costs for businesses and too many disables unable to work. The new system was designed to solve these problems. In order for an employer to be found guilty of discrimination under the WDS, they must either not offer a suitable job to the applicant or if offered, refuse to accept them. To do otherwise would be unfair employment practice. It is important to note that being diagnosed with a disability does not necessarily mean you will be granted a disability benefit. Your employer may decide that you are able to work even though you are diagnosed with a disability.