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Equality act/employment

Marfmama

Well-Known Member
Messages
110
Hi! I'm filling out a job application form and it asks if I consider myself to have a disability defined by equality act, i don't view my diabetes as a disability but then again I have had to miss work in the past when a stomach bug put me in hospital.. Should I be honest and declare my condition? Iv only had this 2 years so this is fairly new to me!
Any advice would be great, really want this job!


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Yeah I would tell them coz if u don't and u take bad it's on your back and if they find out u didn't disclose it you may be liable for dismissal
 
I would say yes, because you are diagnosed with a lifelong condition—regardless of how well managed. There may be times at work that your needs have to be taken into account, even if they are not hugely affecting your daily work routine. You may require specific eating times when events at work could make it difficult, or even something as simple as a desk fan in hot weather. If such occasions arise, your employer is duty-bound to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs so you can do your job. It may well be that your condition has no effect whatsoever on your ability to do your job, but there may be occasions when it MIGHT.


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My employers know and they let me flex my hours if I feel **** in the morning and have every wednesday morning off for same pay to get blood tests done. If I were dishonest, I'd be sacked. Plus I have about 30 people watching my back. A mate noticed I was hypo once and got me a can of monster energy drink. If he hadn't noticed it would have been ambulance o'clock! Don't be ashamed, it's not your fault, acknowledge and manage.
 

Spot on Mart


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start on the right foot. Diabetes is acknowledged as a disability so I would declare it. In many career fields, this is deemed as a positive due to Gov't targets etc. I don't agree with it but if it helps...
Good luck !
 
I don't declare it is a disability. To me, it's a disease not a disability. It doesn't stop me doing anything. I just have to manage it. For that reason, I would put no. I would make sure that I told my employer during the on boarding process. Unless your diabetes will prevent you from doin the job or mean they need to make special adjustments.


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Thank you for all the replies!! I have decided to put it on the form - best to be honest - there is a space for additional information where I can explain more so that's good. Thanks again everyone


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Good on ya! Better to be seen as honest and up front than them think you're untrustworthy.
 
I would certainly put no. I would not want any discrimination in trying to get a job. They are hard enough to come by without having something like diabetic or disabled on an application form.
 
My employers are extremely help, caring and understanding. They are aware I have diabetes and encourage me to go to clinic whenever required. I always aim for a wednesday morning and they know I will finish my work before I finish each day and usually, like many other gratefully employed people, do more hours than I'm salaried for. No one has ever labelled me or discriminated against me for having diabetes, even in jest. If they did I'd tell them where to go. There's no shame being diabetic, I'm still human and still work hard and have a good relationship with my peers. At first there were one or two questions and general helpful inquisitiveness. I welcomed this as everyone knows what to do if I start acting a bit strange. I am not ashamed to be diabetic. Any stigma is in the minds of others. I don't tell strangers on the train or bus, but those I see/work with on a regular basis. I'm glad not to fear what people think. I'm trying my best to deal with diabetes as best I can, let alone opinions of others.
 

Well said Mart
My work have been amazing with me as I like you don't work to the minute always do more than I should so appointments have never been an issue also the majority of people I work with know I am diabetic think the month of when I lost my eyesight helped with that


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Wish my work was more supportive I had to have a few weeks off when I was first diagnosed while they sorted my meds and I was reviving letters and phone calls threatening me with disciplinary action I really don't think it's fair when u have a genuine medical condition safe to say I'm now looking for a new job as I could do without the added stress
 

Think a new job sounds like a good idea am not well up on rules and regulations but am sure there not allowed to threaten you in such a way I may be wrong
But you definitely don't need any added stress
Hope you get things sorted


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Working on the railway, my company are BIG on safety. They employ 30+ thousand staff so they's be daft to be negligent. It's down to management and my last 4 have been brilliant. Having the manpower to cope when someone's ill for example or when there are vacancies that haven't been filled, means you have to pull your weight and chip in. My mate and colleague was off for 5 weeks sick and we have only 3 of the 4 posts filled. Running on 50% of manpower, so me and my other colleague had to go the extra mile and stay late. They are fine about me and I'm happy to roll my sleeves up when we're up against it. Fairs fair
 
It's always a good idea to be truthful with your current or new employer, Not stating this on your application can lead to issues.

Most companies nowadays are very good when it comes to allowing you to monitor your blood glucose at work as htis comes under the duty of care which your employer is bound by

Always be straight with your employer and ensure you give as much notice as possible for appointments for Blood tests, Diabetic Retinopathy app's also etc etc
 
Diabetes is not a disability as defined by the disability act! Therefore I always put no but then in the additional information put it in there. Mart wolves do u happen to work for Atkins? Just asking because I do!!! Admin not actually on the railway itself.


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It's important to remember that the form asks whether the CANDIDATE considers themselves to have a disability. Some people will consider their diabetes to be a disability; others won't. I do not believe that my diabetes puts me at any kind of disadvantage and I do not consider myself to have a disability. Other people will be different.


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I sort of agree lol ! I don't consider myself disadvantaged but for many employers, falsifying an application form can lead to possible disciplinary action down the line. Most diabetics need the support of their employer for hospital appts, breaks etc. Also, we all assume that ticking yes to a disability is a negative thing. Quite often, it's not. Many employers actively seek to recruit a percentage of people with a disability to meet Gov't targets etc. Ultimately though, it's a personal choice. I would be honest from the start. Others choose not too. No problem.


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