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dietfizzy

Active Member
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manchester
i am currently looking for a job and its the first time since being diagnosed (type 1) and im not sure how it will affect my chances would like some advice how to answer stuff in interviews. i have read to put on my cv that my diabetes is well managed... but i am thinking that if there are "healthy" people i wont get a look in... any advice would be appreciated x


determined to find something

dietfizzy xxxxxx
 
Answer the stuff at interview with all the competence and assurance that you can!!Your diabetes is a side issue not the main issue.If you make it the main issue then that is what they will focus on.If it is treated as a side issue ,with nothing to do with your competence to do the job(I don't know what you do)then that will show them you are not worried by it.Of course if the job is to do will driving etc then it needs to be discussed in terms of well managed etc.
 
Hi Fizzy,
This is a question that crops up quite regularly so I checked with a contact who is an employment specialist.

If a job that you apply for asks you to complete a medical questionnaire then you will need to answer honestly. However you can say that your diabetes is fully controlled and has no affect on your ability to work. If they ask and you say no, and they later find out that you lied, then you could be summarily dismissed and there would be little that you could do about it.

If they don't ask you then you don't need to volunteer that you have diabetes. It's perfectly reasonable to assume that if they don't ask then they are not interested and your health is not relevant to the job.

If you do tell them, then you are protected by the Disabilities Discrimination Act, which prevents them from refusing to employ you solely on the grounds of your diabetes. However the DDA is a bit of a wolf with no teeth, because if you failed to land a job that you were interviewed for, it would be impossible to prove that you didn't get it because of your diabetes (unless they actually state that in writing).

Hope that helps and good luck in the job hunt!
 
A well controlled diabetic is not "ill" and needn't have more time off than someone without hte condition. T1 husband is a civil servant and has loads of complicaions. Still gets all his appointments in to his Flexi routine.
 
Hi Dietfizzy

Diabetes type 1 is classed as a disability as far as the disability discrimination act is concerned. This being the case then, many organisations are Equal Opportunities Employers and are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. Many have in place a guaranteed interview scheme, whereby they guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
 
Dietfizzy

I don't think it matters if you are Type 1 or Type 2 - diabetes is covered under the DDA. There are also some jobs that guarantee you an interview if you tick the 'disabled' box on the application form. Usually these are local/central government and other quangos. This is a bit of a double edged sword of course. Many diabetics woundn't consider themselves as disabled especially if they are well controlled. However, if it gets your foot in the door so to speak then it may be worth a go.

While some people consider the DDA to be a bit of a damp squib, the fact is that there are cases going through the Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunals all the time. For example a case concerning a dyslexic nurse who failed to gain a promotion was heard by the EAT just the other day.

Good luck in the job search
 
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