Job applications

It very much depends on how they ask the question

If they ask if you have one of these medical questions, and they mention diabetes, then you really should say so, as you could be caught out for fibing on the form..

How ever if they ask do you have a disability?

Then I tend not to fill this part in and wait for the interview, and say that I am T1 diabetic, didnt know whether they class diabetes as a disability? As some do and some don't, I actually don't class it as a diability because it doesn't prevent me from doing anything etc..

Hi Nomi,

I'll echo what jopar said - unless they ask do you have diabetes, I wouldn't include T1 diabetes under the general heading of disabilities. Talk to them in the interview if it comes up - remember, they're looking for reasons to employ you, so a thoughtful, reasoned discussion about it will usually enhance their opinion of you.

Sam.

Hi Nomi
I would say, never lie, because if found out later, it could cause no end of trouble. You have no need to disclose well controlled T1 unless it's likely to have an impact on your work.( If not asked) For some jobs, it's mandatory to disclose it and for some, you are not permitted to do them.

Hi Nomi,

The question of whether you have a disabilty has to be asked on a part of the application form which is not seen be the interview panel (along with age, ethnicity, religion etc). Furthermore, an interview panel is not allowed to ask you anything about your health in an interview - it's illegal.

The only time I disclose my having diabetes is after I have been offered the job (or in a pre-job health questionanaire which are actually for your benefit to make sure that any health needs you have are met by the organisation before you commence work).

I do tick the 'I have a disability' on application forms as diabetes is considered a disability and is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (which can only be a good thing should problems arise at work). Also, as I said before, the interview panel should not be privy to this information prior to interview.

Hope this helps,

katie .

scottishkate said:

The question of whether you have a disabilty has to be asked on a part of the application form which is not seen be the interview panel (along with age, ethnicity, religion etc). Furthermore, an interview panel is not allowed to ask you anything about your health in an interview - it's illegal.

katie .

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Yeah right !!!!
I,ve seen interview panels in action. What should happen and what DOES happen are two entirely separate things. Then again I was born a cynic :lol: :lol:

Well I certainly wouldn't want to work for a company that did start asking me questions to do with disabilty, or sex, or race. At least it would flag them up.

scottishkate said:

Well I certainly wouldn't want to work for a company that did start asking me questions to do with disabilty, or sex, or race. At least it would flag them up.

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They don't ASK you the questions - they have ways of already knowing the answers !! I wouldn't want to work for one that does that either.

Hi there everyone,

As T1s one thing we should all remember is this: The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Now, we may all agree that such a definition does not include us, or does it? I for one have always (for 30 years) fought the idea that being T1 made me disabled. In my youth I was strident in my beliefs that I could be the same as anyone else. However, I'm not so sure anymore. I AM different from everyone else I know, but not less than them. I tend to think now in terms of having a 'hidden disability', as there are ways in which I as an employee can be
'adversely affected'. We've all been hypo at work on occasion, in verying degrees. In my line of work important meetings, or proceedings, can and are scheduled for lunchtime slots; sometimes these meetings can last for hours.

I guess as diabetics we all require certain allowances or accommodations to be made for us. However, to return to the original question, I would leave blank any application form 'disability' questions as I think the subtle nature of my hidden disability can be explored with line management at a later date. If there is a relevant box I usually just enter Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - and leave details for later discussion.

Hope this helps...

Stod

Hi to forum been away for a while.

You must always treat T1 as a disabilty people dont, thats why we have to fight authorities to claim what we are entitled to T1 diabetes says it all you can not possible do every day tasks like non diabetics this is classed as a disability.

I also used to be naive about my condition years ago hoping it would disappear overnight affraid not true we have it for life until some nutty professor come up with a solution to reverse it waited years never going to happen.

It would of happened by now due to the population of T1 diabetes in the world today and arising If you have T1 diabetes always when you go for a job interview put in the disibility box you have T1 diabetes, your most likly to get offered the chance of the position you applied for, honesty alone is to your advantage an employer will pick up on this.

Also I have experience of this if ever your diabetes gets out of control you need a quick snack or sugary drink at work to get your blood sugars and energy back up some employers do grant you this you may have to make up lost time seldom you do though.

My story I have T1 diabetes for 39 yrs now had a good job working long hours worked my finger to the bone could not stand working long hours no more sorry went on sick doctor put sick through diabetic complications and exhaused refrain from work ufn ie. until further notice this is not accepted by an employer on a Doctor's note I was told go back tell Doc to put diagnosis on note.

Went back to work after 3 weeks was fine late afternoon called to managers office told them about not able to do long hours anymore he replied we have no alternative to terminate your employment collect your belongings and you will be escorted off the premises, this made my diabetes control go sky high.

When I was fully recovered did some detective work found a solution to take this company to a works tribunal on the ground of disability discrimination act 1995 won my case hands down offered job back or settlement in payment for loss of earnings plus damages lot of money gained for me.

This is why I point out to you always be honest you do have a disability if ever the inevitable happens like me your proof of disability is in black and white on your application form signed by you and your emplyer.

hope you find this of some help sorry its a novel you will get the job just be honest let me know how you fair.