Do I disclose?

[EE1980]

Hi

I've been offered a job. Really fought to get it and this one doesn't come up often if ever.

Pre-employment health assessment. Questionnaire is from an independent occupational health company.

Questions state "have you ever been treated for" and list includes many ailments including (in one tick box) "depression, nervous breakdown, anxiety".

So more than 10 years I had depression and a drink problem. Didn't receive treatment for drink. Received antidepressants. Not drank for 10 years or been on tablets for about 6 years (and that was following giving birth). I don't suffer depression or anxiety or been to doctors in 6 years.

I want to be honest because I know if they find out you lied it will be dismissal. Same time - if am honest and occupational health ask to see medical records they'll look bad in black and white and this info could be passed to HR Manager who'll either decide to withdraw the conditional offer or look at me differently.

I know lots of people suffer from depression. It's a desk based job so no adjustments needed and I haven't had depression for years.

I would prefer not to disclose this.

I had a similar dilemma and was worried I'd lose a job due to a history of anorexia for two decades. I decided to disclose it and the occupational health team got in touch for a short phone call. They assured me that they don't pass details onto the hiring organisation, just recommendations for any adaptations that may need to be made to help me work but there weren't any.

Give them a call to find out what they do with any information disclosed to put your mind at rest. I'd say it's better to disclose it should you require time off in the future for the same reasons. Good luck :)

I’m shocked that an employer is asking this. If I were you i’d invest in an hour of legal advice.

OP I've worked in the public sector and recruited for the public sector for over a decade, I've also worked in the private sector. In the public sector IME it has never ever been considered an issue if a candidate discloses a health issue historic or current. Genuinely.

I've seen some shadier things in the private sector.

A period of depression ten years ago, no one will even bat an eye. There are people in my industry specifically recruited on the strength of their rehabilitation and ability to relate to people regarding that, so the alcohol wouldn't be an issue either it would be seen as a positive that you've experienced recovery and the organisation has a very non judgemental stand point on that, and celebrates rehabilitation. I'm not sure about other areas of public sector regarding the alcohol.

OH should not disclose the information to HR; they are there to advise whether you are fit for work, or whether any reasonable adjustments are needed.

Thanks for everyone's advice and reassurance - I really appreciate it. Fingers crossed it happens x thanks again

Sorry one last question

So I disclose the depression - what will the report to HR say please?

1. For for work - history of depression but no adjustment needed.

1. Fit for work no adjustment needed.

Curious to know what the report to HR will actually disclose 1 or 2

I can't say for sure in your case but mine was 2.

Cheers

This is a tricky one, why don't you call ACAS on Monday morning?

Will give them a call thanks for the tip x

Also, only your manager should see the report

No - I think it just goes to HR and Occupational Health

If a GP report is required, you will have the opportunity to see it before it goes to your employer

Go and see your GP - they can help you with the best way to fill the form. That’s what I’ve done in the past

I had a similar dilemma, public sector role, vigorous selection process, got through everything successfully and then the dreaded box. Different conditions, but previously had awful experiences of being turned down for jobs when I disclosed.

Agonised for a few days then thought fuck it and ticked the dreaded "anything that could affect your ability to do the job" box which triggered a medical questionnaire. On screen it looked awful, in addition to the disability I was reluctant to disclose there were several "have you ever" questions that I ticked yes to due to childhood conditions that haven't bothered me for decades. Was sure I would be asked to go for a medical or for GP records, but nope, that was it, job confirmed, no further questions :-). And my boss is totally unaware, just the recruitment team assessed the info.

Cheers - HR will be my department so my manager will see the report I guess.

I know I have to tell the truth I'm just struggling to see the relevance.

You don't have to disclose a spent conviction but I could've had a panic attack at 13 and be required to disclose this - but I'm told they won't discriminate against me.

Why do they need my whole history. Why can't it be limited to ie last 5 or 3 years. It's like you never escape your medical records regardless of how irrelevant some of the information is - it's never spent.

Yep people may not legally discriminate against you on the basis I of your medical records but people are human - it changes people's perception of you. I hear colleagues talking about people who are open about their depression. There is prejudice out there.

If I was on medication or had a recent episode I could see the relevance in disclosure - perhaps more support would be needed but this was years ago. No adjustment needs to be made.