The first major research to be conducted into the working experiences of people living with HIV has found that 20% of employees have experienced discrimination, the National AIDS Trust (NAT) has revealed.

The research shows that HIV is rarely detrimental to an individual's work, but stigma surrounding its presence still very much exists in the professional world.

Some 60% of respondents to the survey revealed they had disclosed their diagnosis to employers and colleagues, with 77% reporting a positive reaction. But a fifth of respondents, who had revealed their condition, claimed they had experienced high levels of discrimination.

The most common reaction from fellow employees was to treat sufferers differently, by shunning them and keeping conversation to a minimum. More worryingly 40% of respondents felt they had lost their job after breaches in confidentiality and over the top reactions.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT, said: "It is important for employers and HR professionals to realise that people with HIV can and do make valuable contributions to the UK workforce."

William O'Neill Head of Head of the Litigation Department at Rowlands Solicitors adds:  "People with HIV in today's society can play a vital role in many workforces.  They play a valuable and active role within any team of workers and can be excellent team players. 

"Such is the prejudice that these people are experiencing today, it is driving away a potentially valuable resource.  They should not be marginalised and maligned but they should be recognised for their courage and determination in continuing to be members of many workforces today."

More than a third of those surveyed had not taken a day off to attend HIV clinics in the last 12 months and noted that side effects from drugs can only have a minimal and sporadic effect on performance.

"Today, often it is not the health of people with HIV that affects their working ability but the attitudes of employers or colleagues," added Ms Jack