Job applications

Hi. No, I never tick that box. In fact I don't mention it unless specifically asked, and thus far never have been as most employers seem to worry about disabilty rights. Obviously, if I was applying for a job where it was going to be a problem, I would certainly mention it.

I had a medical for my current job, so obviously, my employer did know, and anyway, as I have moved round teh company, I always tell my colleaugues and boss...just in case.

Not sure what teh legal definition is though...I just don't consider it a disability...just a pain in the ****!

Hi Scooby,

I suppose it depends on what the application form says. If it asks for "disabilities" then, like Sugar, I don't regard diabetes as making me disabled so wouldn't mention it. If it asks for details of "health problems" then you are probably running the risk of dismissal if you don't mention it and it is discovered later.

I wonder - does the Disabilities Discrimination Act cover diabetes?
Does any one know?

In this day and age I would'nt tell anybody anything.I certainly have'nt told my employer.When I have my yearly medical I just say no to everything.

yes we are covered by the DDA,

i've always ticked yes, because the jobs I've applied for have had guarenteed interview scheme. basically if you meet the minimum criteria for a job they have to interview you if you have a disability.

for my job i have to be cleared by occupational health to be able to work so i had to tell them then aswell. It did mean that I can't be put on more than 3 night shifts in a row (i work variable shifts).

Yes, Diabetics are covered by the DDA
see http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/y ... ction.aspx

What it means in reality is that your employee should make "reasonable accommodation" for you. e.g. a clean place to inject (not a toilet), an adequate lunch break etc.

I have only applied for two jobs since diagnosis, in the first I was already "in situ" as a temp so they knew I was diabetic. For the second application I did tick in the right place and explained the nature of my "disability". I got both jobs... though I turned the second one down. In actual fact it gives the employers "brownie points" for employing their share of disabled people, and lets face it, it's not one which causes them any problems. I don't personally regard myself as disabled, but I am pleased that the DDA covers us because I do know of cases where people have been denied a decent place to inject and told to go "out of sight in the toilet" which is clearly <b>not</b> acceptable at all!

Patti
On Levemir/Novorapid. Last hba1c 5.3

Hi. I have always ticked the disability box, again because of the guaranteed interview scheme. I make it a discussion point in my interview because a lot of people really do not know how to cope with a diabetic in the workplace. I have a leaflet at work explaining hypo's and everyone in the office has read it. Might sound a bit patronising but in the past if I have done something wrong its been brushed under the carpet and put down to a low test - saves admitting I was wrong . Again it ticks the employers box for the disability quarter and if you ever need time off due to your diabetes, they can never say you didn't tell them!