To assume if I'm signed off sick with mental health issues it will go against me in future?

[SingaporeSlander]

Job is a huge part of the issue. Terrified of being signed off and then it affecting getting a job in the future. Would it be disclosed?

[allowlsthinkalot]

More likely that not taking time off when you are not well enough to be there wold be seen as lack of insight and affect you in future.

[TittyGolightly]

you may be covered by the disability discrimination act or if not the Equality Act (I think)

The Equalities Act replaced the DDA.

MH is protected under the DDA

DDA no longer exists.

[Ilikecheeriosyum]

I have had up to a year off at a time, due to mental illness and i only ran into problems when applications asked for the number of days off id had in 2 years, but to do honest how on earth are they going to check?! My references were always from my strongest/longest jobs!

I always volunteered when i felt more stable but not up to the pressure of a paid job and its led to better paid job and managerial experience that would have taken years to work my way up to in a paid position.

I'm going to say depends on your field. But I'm not against fibbing and keeping quiet about my health history to get the job "I had time off due to a family issue ect"
And then revealing later that i do have a mental illness (obviously not revealing that i fibbed) because I guarantee almost every employer will discriminate because they dont want the "hassle/absenses/accommodations" even though its illegal.

almost every time i have told management though they have been very helpful and accommodating, it did involve occupational health visits but it was always positive ( I could request an extra break/flexible working ect)
So it's not all doom and gloom!

[Doesitgoto11]

As someone else has said, MH is protected under the DDA. I've had a couple of periods signed off in different jobs and it's not adversely impacted on my career progression x

[SlB09]

You should have no issues. Think about the size of your workplace, stats say 1 in 3-4 people will suffer at any one time, thats nearly as much as cancer, youd probably be suprised at how many people around you and in potential jobs would understand. Your health is priority, you can get through this xxx

[Morphene]

I totally agree with silver.

Most employers will not behave badly and in the end you really don't want to work for one that does!

Take the time you need to get your health back - that is more important than any potential future issues.

[PotteringAlong]

They can ask how many days off sick you have had in the last 5 years - I've had that on lots of forms.

[Augustbabyyeah]

Not allowed but probably do.

[Awwlookatmybabyspider]

Under the 2010 Equality Act people are not allowed to discriminate on the grounds of mental illness.

[silverblaze]

With regard to external employment, employers are only allowed to ask about potential health issues before making a job offer in certain cases. Once a job offer has been made, they can make further enquiries but it is an offence for them to discriminate against a person who has/has had health issues that do not impact on their job. www.gov.uk/employers-checks-job-applicants. Employers must not withdraw a job offer based on previous health issues that do not affect the candidate's ability to do the job. You are entitled to see any reports made by your GP before they are sent to your prospective employer.

In reality, although my experience has been that most employers are fair, you might occasionally get an employer who will want to wriggle out of the offer they made and though you suspect that their concerns to your health issues might be the cause, you might not be able to prove it. But would you really want to work for someone like that?

I suffered from some fairly severe mental health issues due to huge and unfair pressure at work followed by bullying when I tried to challenge it. I was signed off for 6 months and eventually resigned after initially trying to return as I realised that the working culture was never going to change and that it was literally driving me mad. I was ill, had no job and only a spiteful reference. When I felt strong enough, I started temping and really enjoyed the freedom it brought - to build up my resilience, to stay with the good employers and walk away from the bad ones, to develop my skills. It allowed me to build a really good CV and the relevance of the 'nasty' job diminished. And one of those temp jobs led to a permanent position that lasted 10 years and where I was very happy.

Your health and wellbeing is the most important thing.

[SingaporeSlander]

Bonkers and August that's what I mean, it seems to be asked to be declared on forms, which just feels so wrong.

I'm not coping well, but wondering if doing anything I can to hang on by the skin of my teeth is worth it rather than causing all kinds of future problems. Makes me so sad that people still judge mental health so intrinsically.

[SingaporeSlander]

Thank you Holly, I know you are right. Kind words really help.

[Augustbabyyeah]

It shouldn't go against, no way. However, it could be seen by someone and if that person is an idiot they might not treat you fairly. It's always going to be impossible to prove exactly what went against you.

[StillDrivingMeBonkers]

Externally no they shouldn't ever be able to find out.

That's not true. Just about every job I have applied for in the past 5 years has had a tick box allowing my potential new employer to contact my GP for access to my medical records. I could decline but then I wouldn't get a job.

[HollyBollyBooBoo]

Are you thinking internally or externally?

I guess internally a potential new boss may be able to access your records. Depending on what your condition is you may be covered by the disability discrimination act or if not the Equality Act (I think), so employers should be aware of treating people fairly.

Externally no they shouldn't ever be able to find out.

If I'm honest and I know it's easy to say, but try to focus on yourself and getting the support you need to get better and not worry about this so much.

[SingaporeSlander]

Hopeful bump