Hey, a few of you have read that it is likely I’m going to be sacked pretty soon from my newish job as I’ve been off sick for the past 8 weeks, the advice I need is: On applying for a new job, (obviously i know theres no point just yet as i cant work) but when the day finally comes… do I tell them about my symptoms if I’m still not dx with anything by that time (obviously wishful thinking they’ll just disappear haha!) anyway, on application forms from what i can remember it asks about time off due to sickness, now, do you actually Have to be truthful in that department (haha) obviously I don’t want to lie but I’m more than sure that once they see numerous weeks on end of sickness absence they’ll just put the app in the bin! Especially if there’s no dx for the symptoms, surely they’ll just think the worst, that I’d need time off again! What a pickle! It would be so much easier with a dx!
Mrs C,
Firstly, I am sorry to hear that you are ill and that your work are being unhelpful. In answer to your question, they have changed the law recently and they actually can’t ask about illness on application forms now. Some companies (especially local authorities) have yet to change their forms to reflect this change in the law but due to the change you are under no obligation to fill that section out. That being said, they can ask you about illness during the interview stage or can make a satisfactory sickness record part of their offers of employment. What I would say is leave it off application forms (as you are legally entitled to do) but be honest if questioned at interview. Afterall, if they see you looking better (and I’m sure you will get better at some point) then they can make their own informed judgement based on meeting you, rather than reading a form about you. Plus, as you say, you are as yet undiagnosed so once whatever is happening subsides this may never happen again.
hope you feel better soon and that your job situation gets sorted,
rae x
Hi MrsC, you are not obliged to disclose ANYTHING about your health in job applications, neither are they allowed to ask!
The law on this changed some time ago. If you were diagnosed, you’d automatically have the protection of the Disability Discrimination Act. In some cases, this could make it to your advantage to disclose your diagnosis - for example, some employers actively seek to recruit “disabled” applicants, and even subscribe to a scheme that guarantees you an interview.
However, if you’re undiagnosed, the position is less clear. Personally, I’d shut up, unless there is some sort of obvious safety implication: you do have a duty not to place yourself and others at risk, including by keeping quiet about health issues you know, or can foresee, would impact your ability to do the job safely (e.g. accepting a driving job, despite knowing you have impaired vision).
I would probably shut up even now I’m diagnosed (surprisingly, I was never off sick with it much anyway), unless it’s one of those recruiters that make clear disabled applicants are particularly welcome. Or if the job was one where personal experience of illness or disability could be an advantage - e.g. advising others - might be better if you’ve had similar experience.
Tina