New job offer

Everyday living
1

Hi all :blush: I applied for a new job in a new company and have been offered the position. When I applied, there was a check box that asked if I had a disability and I checked to ‘rather not say’. When I was made the verbal offer, I mentioned to the person in HR that I had recently been diagnosed with a medical condition and he said it was up to me if I wanted to share and asked if I needed any adjustments, which I don’t.

Firstly, is it recommended that I share? Nobody has asked outright if I have a disability other than the questionnaire on the application.

Secondly, I have a driving licence but it’s currently away for review after diagnosis (has been for a few months). I’m not expecting any limitations, more so for it to be reassessed in 3 years. But my CV says I have a full, clean licence. Which is true, but I haven’t disclosed me having MS, therefore not that my licence is under review. Driving is not part of the job, apart from if I need to travel now and again. Would I be best to share this information?

Many thanks

2 Likes
2

Hi, will having ms affect your ability to do the job? they cant legally not employ you because of ms - that would be discrimination, so its up to you if and when you tell them

2 Likes
3

No, it won’t have any impact on the job - no safety related issues etc. I had a google before being offered and it was quite hard to find a definite answer. I do plan to share with my team lead when I start, I’d rather be transparent!

1 Like
4

I had a DWP interview recently, which included revamping my CV. With current legislation, I was encouraged to remove all references to disability and why I’m now looking for a different role to my former, pre-MS, career.

It’s up to the employer to ask the right questions rather than for us to lead with all the reasons why we shouldn’t be employed. The HR man you spoke to quite clearly dodged any temptation to ask you about your medical condition. Obviously, you should tailor your applications to just the roles you are capable of doing as you won’t want to make a rod for your own back.

As regards driving, the DWP advisor specifically told me to remove any reference to medical review licence, or disability (I’d put it in that section too). If you can drive, you can drive. Any restrictions are between you and DVLA and your insurer.

2 Likes
5

Hi Stripes,

Firstly congratulations on your new job offer…

Just a little from my HR background.

Dont include & you shouldnt be asked before a job offer or refusal is made. This alleaviates any question of discrimination.

It is up to you who, when and how much info you give about your condition. It maybe worth speaking about a OH referal as many adjustments can be made that you didnt realise were possible. The disability act 10, states that reasonable adjustments must be made to prevent any person covered by the act being disadvantaged in any way of carrying out their role.

Most employers are more than happy to assist un adjustments as you have clearly been deemed suitable for the role.

Hope this helps
Ceri x

2 Likes
6

Check out this guide:

2 Likes
7

I agree with all that has been said. You are protected, under the disability act; you also want to be treated fairly and without prejudice.

I know from personal experience that you also need to careful who you say things to. Trusted colleagues can sometimes, with best intentions let slip.

I had a promotion years ago and my line manager shared what I had said about my disabilities and difficulties. This came to light after getting a promotion. I was asked by the Head of Department to go to occupational health to see if I could manage the job. I asked if they had asked the others who were also promoted to do the same? I was told they were just trying to be supportive.

I wouldn’t have minded but I had already through the DWP had somebody in from ‘access to work’ and reasonable adjustments put in place. Guess they wouldn’t know that, but did feel personal at the time.

There are still times that those around me forget that each day is a struggle, even when it is obvious. As frustrating as that can be I feel in that moment the same as everyone else and that feels good.

At the end of the day what you disclose or not is a personal decision. As Graeme says as long as you can do the job you have been taken on far, then the rest is up to you.

See how you go, HR aware that you have a recent diagnosis, which they can’t discriminate against. Actually ‘having a disability is what is called having a protected characteristic, for which you can’t be discriminated for’. Companies these days get accreditation for being more inclusive, so you are probably ticking a box, which is a positive thing.

The other thing to say is that should your health change, it won’t come as any surprise. Only if it becomes apparent that you can’t do the role as per the job description will HR and occupational health get involved. That could be a long way down the road, so don’t worry about that.

I would as Ceri suggests have a meeting with occupational health. They are on your side, well that is my experience. In fact I have another meeting with mine on Monday.

All the best in your new job.

1 Like
8

Thank you all for your support, I feel very fortunate to have access to such kindness.

Before I signed my contact I emailed HR to let them know and he said it was entirely up to me what I shared.

I’ve since completed the written contract and there was a health questionnaire that asked if I had an illness or disability that may impact me now or in the future. I’ve said yes, although I don’t need any adjustments now, I can’t say that I won’t in future so I fully expect a follow up from OH which I’m fine with. And I’m glad to have been open.

Thanks again everyone, you’re really a lovely bunch :blush:

1 Like
10

Congratulations on finding a new job! I hope everything will continue to be great for you!

11

When I chose my future profession, I was worried that I might face some difficulties in the future because of my health problems, but luckily all is well.