How to tell potential employers of illness

[Pokemontv]

This is more how can I "not be unreasonable" in advance post.

Currently at home with children and applying for jobs to return back to work, when I get an interview what is the best way of telling my potential employers of my issues. At interview or before I accept an offered post or after I officially accept a job ?

Nothing major, I just need a few small adjustments in order to work. However as last time I was working I was 100% healthy, I don't know the correct protocol.

Adjustments are include access to toilets and flexible hours if I an having a flare up. Some specialised phone access (will I have to bring my home phone to work or buy a second one or will work provide one ?), maybe flexibility with parking space close to building and a little understanding that I can only eat my own food, struggle to hear at times etc and a few other minor issues.

I have a few conditions and currently get PIP, the things I need adjustment with are linked to conditions which are classed as disabilities, though I don't class myself as disabled just poorly (even though I will never improve)

Looking to be fair to future employers without being unfair to my chances to land a new job.

I wouldn’t mention disability unless asked and then disclose to hr once job offer In writing

Usually there is some kind of equalities form that comes with application forms where you would declare your disability and detail the reasonable adjustments you would require.
Where I have recruited before (always public sector so may not be the same across the board) this information has been stripped away so the hiring team are not aware of it during the selection process, i.e the best person for the job is selected and then discussions about any needs are had.
You may also be entitled to a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria and declare a disability. It might be worth you looking at employers who are signed up to what used to be called the Two Ticks scheme (think it has changed its name now).

I wouldn't worry. I had a mini stroke last year and was worried it would stop me getting a new job. I got the offer and then had to fill in a health declaration. I was totally honest and just ended up having a phone call with the occ health nurse who just wanted to check if there was anything I needed to do the job.

Dont hide anything if asked but they should not ask this kind of thing in an interview - if they decide to offer they will check then.

We have a confidential form you fill in for reasonable adjustments when you apply, which is separate from your application. Our most recent employee is being catered for like this after a successful application. Is there anything like this in the process?

Most places will ask on the application form as part of E&D monitoring. Usually just as "do you have a disability under the EA2010" tick box.

You can tick this and then when you start a job go and see HR and find out the policy for requesting reasonable adjustments (e.g. is it HR / Manager led, do you need to see OH etc)

Good luck with the job search. A decent employer will not be put off that a person has a disability.

The two ticks scheme mentioned above is now called "Disability Confident"

Depends where you apply. Any decent organisation will ensure reasonable adjustments are made for you. You don't need to be upfront in an interview, just when they provide a desk assessment.

Employers are not allowed to discriminate on the grounds if disability, so there is no reason for them to know about any adjustments until after you have accepted the job.
Why hand an employer a reason not to employ you?
Even if there is an equalities form, it should not be used for recruitment. Nobodies business but yours right up until the day you accept the post.

I do have a couple of jobs application for the NHS which do offer a guaranteed interview for those who fit basic criteria and are disabled. But I was unsure how bad things have to be legally disabled ?

Plus I wondered if the interviewers would know how I got the interview, which would make it much harder for me to go in and do a good interview.

Not heard of the two tick scheme, so I will look into that.

Not two tick it is Disability Confident now, ok. Will look up that.

I will take your collective advice and only mention things, after I have accepted a job. It feels a bit sneaky to tell them afterwards but I don't want to be ruled out before hand for reasons beyond my control.

Do you think I should be going for guaranteed interviews, where offered. Does the interview panel know who is on that list ?

The interviewers should not know if you ticked the disability box. This should be kept separate from the rest of your application by HR.

For something to be a disability under the EA you need to have "a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities."

Long-term is no defined but generally accepted to be 12 months or more

Ok, I had a look at the gov website and two of my issues are under the Disability Confident scheme page as examples, though a third one isn't.

Right, well I will start ticking the guaranteed interview boxes and try not to feel guilty about it, as it does cover me.

I would not mention it initially unless you need adaptations for the interview. If you get offered the job you should tell them what you need - the toilet, own food and parking should not be an issue but flexible working could be depending on what kind of job it is, the phone should not be an issue because they can apply for access to work funds to pay for it

If you get PIP, you are legally defined as disabled under the equalities act (you don’t get PIP unless it’s expected to last/has lasted 12 months or more, and PIP assess whether your conditions have a substantial effect on your self care ability. You can be disabled and not get PIP, but you can’t get PIP and not be disabled)

However, I would personally wait until offered a job before discussing reasonable adjustments. Just to make sure!

I’m in the same boat as you OP, I get PIP, also doing my first applications this week. I’m worried about how do I explain my 4 year off work period if I don’t mention being ill. Anyone?

I have a 12 year gap !

I am just saying, work gap due to caring responsibilties.

Would that work for you, IsobelRae23 ? Good luck with your job search.

IME toilet access, food, telephone equipment being supplied would all be fine. Flexible hours may not be agreed as it depends on the companies stance on this. Not all places can offer flexibility on hours due to nature of job.
I have IBD and toilet access has never been an issue for me (office work).
Parking spaces may be a sticking point unless you have a blue badge?

I wouldn't bring it up until you're well ensconced in the job.

I have decided I will tell them after I accept the job and before I start. So they have time to source a suitable phone and at least know my limitations.

Now I just need an successful interview ?

Just thinking I will probably have to tell them about my hearing impairment at the interview. As my hearing aid is obvious and I still miss things said on my deaf side and I don't want them to think I am ignoring them. Though I can lip read and I could put my hair over my hearing aid ear side.

Hmm, have to think about that one.