• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Applying for Jobs

A

andyw01

Member
Messages
11
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi,

Just wondering what everyone’s opinion or experience of applying for jobs is. I am type 2 but am now on insulin. Toujeo & Novorapid.
I do not see myself as disabled and no matter what the law says I don’t feel that there is anything I can’t do within reason of course.

When applying for jobs (any jobs) there’s always a section that asks if you consider yourself to be disabled. I always says no. But what is peoples opinion because it often mentions the equalities act of 2010 and as we know diabetes is covered under that act.

So my question is, should we says yes with regard to the question and if we do would it allow a recruiter to discriminate against the application (very hard to prove) or would it actually help, as some companies have to fill quotas.
 
I always say no. But I’m covered twice via Diabetes and autism. As I see it, I don’t need adaptations. But it depends how the question is worded.

Not declaring could be seen as you holding back relevant info. I have only not declared where it says, something like do you have disabilities that require changes to your working. Because I don’t see I do

there are jobs where you do need to declare because your insulin could lead to hypos and could lead to you having to have adaptations. For example, some jobs may forbid or limit your lone working

I highly doubt by the way that diabetes would fill any quotas. There are many other disabilities that would though. But that’s in the realms of positive action and is a whole different topic
 
If it's a straight yes/no I personally would go for no (but not on insulin) otherwise I go for I do not consider myself disabled, but I am covered by the disability discrimination act. (and I must admit when I have problems with my landlord (local council) I lay it on thick as being "vunerable"
 
Hi,

From my perspective, no. Not a disability.

However, "reasonable adjustments in the work place."
If the blanket rule is "no phones on duty" i quite understand, but the practically is I use the device with a CGM set up to constantly monitor my bloods.
Another place had a no food on the shop floor. Yep, OK but I happen to carry hypo treatment "in the unlikely event" my BGs drop. (I will keep them about my person in a sealed container.) Along with my insulin for the occaision they rise?

Makes life easier all round for everyone..

I can honestly say in all working life I've never experienced discrimination on the grounds of my condition.
 
I always say no.. but am covered by the equalities act..

I don't hide that I'm diabetic... I transport hazardous chemicals now in hgv vehicles.. there is a ban on mobile phones fullstop however I am allowed mine in the truck so long as I use a cradle. Anyone else would get instantly dismissed.

Exception are made for me if reasonable and needed

They accommodate me by giving me advance notice of a more strenuous day coming up so I can be prepared for it

I wouldn't get any of this if I hid that I was diabetic

Don't forget some company's will actively try to employ someone live this it keep their equal opportunities employer status
 
@Jaylee @searley yoir examples are great ways to show adjustments that can be made to support. You are both type 1 so at risk of hypo and I would suggest in those cases not declaring and then having an issue could be seen in a different way

Not declaring a disability that can have an impact on your role (such as the truck driver) could surely lead to a risk that is your responsibility. You do then need to declare it appears:

https://archive.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5620

Diabetes is classed as an unseen disability in the equality act. Don't declare and you won't have protection (and why should you?)

I have never not declared it and never lost a role due to it.
 
Back
Top