telling employers about your condition?

cas1971
cas1971 Member Posts: 24
edited 7. Oct 2010, 03:02 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

I have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis in the neck after having an mri scan and also recently my dr tells me its coming in my knees too,i am 39.


I am not working since june as i was lifting heavy weights which i have been advised not to do anymore and i agree it only takes say 20mins of ironing and it sets it off big time.

i have applied for many part time jobs since then and answers to any :( i am telling them about my condition as i thought its best to be honest but i dont seem to be getting anywhere its so frustrating i was thinking of seeing if i would be eligible for esa so i could get some support from the job centre what do others suggest or has anyone in my position too ??

Any help would be really great.

Comments

  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cas

    I think you have to declare any long term illnesses/disabilities when you apply for a job.

    It won't hurt to try to claim ESA. You can get the form online (I think).

    Good luck with it all.

    Sharmaine


    cas1971 wrote:
    Hi all

    I have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis in the neck after having an mri scan and also recently my dr tells me its coming in my knees too,i am 39.


    I am not working since june as i was lifting heavy weights which i have been advised not to do anymore and i agree it only takes say 20mins of ironing and it sets it off big time.

    i have applied for many part time jobs since then and answers to any :( i am telling them about my condition as i thought its best to be honest but i dont seem to be getting anywhere its so frustrating i was thinking of seeing if i would be eligible for esa so i could get some support from the job centre what do others suggest or has anyone in my position too ??

    Any help would be really great.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Is there anyway you can get out of declaring it on a form.....but then declare it at an interview.....you would have to do that but it might get you as far as an int erview whereas they might look at a form and automatically think No....If it asks on the form you will have to declare it but if it doesnt actually ask that question....well????but tell your employer. :wink:
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I think things are changing and soon an employer will not be allowed to ask you anything about your health either on a form or at interview. You need some advice on this and also some help from the jobcentre. They do have advisors their and I think if you rang up they would tell you if you ask about disability advisors or you could try the Helpline here or CAB. Also someone might be able to tell you the new rule, I only caught a bit on the radio the other morning, but I'm sure thats right.

    Personally I'd may not disclose on the application form, but at interview stage. Its hard to know the best thing, but if someone sees you and you have a chance to explain face to face. I think if you don't disclose it may be hard if you have any medical appointments or need any adjustments. Its a hard one and I'd get advice, I think. Good luck, love Sue xx
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I don't see how you can get out of sharing medical opinion with your employers certainly not until its put in to law that you don't. Mind you there are many ways to be more circumspect about what you say to them. All the time you are being treated, it may improve?
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    No you shouldnt keep it from your employers but if you can get away with not putting it in an application form I would and then tell them fae to face

    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think I have to disagree with hileena - sorry hileena! I was mullling this over during the night and I think you have to state it from the word go. If you don't, they may wonder what else you have not mentioned. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Morning everyone
    Hi DD
    If it specifically asks on the form yes you have to fill it in but if it doesn't SPECIFICALLY ask i think you can ignore it and then face to face tell them. I suppose we have to agree to differ on this one
    How did you slep last night DD? Any nocturnal runs :wink:

    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yup, a good 'un at 3.40am. Absolutely lovely, no-one about and not raining! Back at 4.25, Mr DD blissfully unaware that I had gone. I would have stayed out longer but the fuel gauge was dropping! I went out towards the coast and ended up on the beach at Bawdsey. There were a couple of anglers, huddled under their brollies, probably asleep! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben