eeek - lying on CV about mental health history

[mysterymoniker]

what do you make of this?

I've always been completely honest on any CV / application form just in case it comes back to bite me on the arse, as in this case.

I've never disclosed my mental health history, but I've been self employed since I first became unwell so it's a non-issue now - it was a massive barrier whenever I thought about applying for jobs though, whether to put it on the forms or not

this just seems so unfair

Have to say - I have taken ADs in the past and unless there was a specific qu on an application form about it, I would not have disclosed it.

Will have to think more carefully if I look for a new job in the future.

That said, even if she had disclosed her illness, I wonder if they would have problems under the Disability Discrimination legislation if they say they would not have employed her as a result.

I know - she was completely honest in that she felt she was fit for the job, but with mental illnesses it can become complicated. I do know of people refusing anti-depressants outright, just to avoid there being a record.
I've never had mental health issues so I couldn't possibly comment on this area, I was just saying that I've always disclosed everything on any CV / application form.
I do feel for her though.

. I would never willingly disclose my mental health history, but wouldn't lie on an occupational health questionnare. Having said that, the questionnaire in this case as presented in the article does seem to have been worded loosely. As being on long-term medication does not mean someone is too ill to work. I am on long term ADs as a preventative measure.

i suppose if she retired on grounds of mental health issues and not disclosed her past illness she is in big trouble.

Depends on the definition of "good health", and fair enough that she doesn't see herself as disabled.

There may not even be a link between her previously taking ADs and her taking medical leave.

I for one would never declare as medical condition (mental or otherwise) on an application form as I know that would mean my rejection straight away.

I was absolutely horrified to find that these sorts of questions are legally allowed when I first arrived in the UK and was job hunting. I refused to answer it at first as I could not see how my health would impact on my job (some can I know but I am not talking about permanant disabilities or work hindering illnesses). It is illegal to ask this in Australia (well Queensland anyway). They can ask you if you are disabled but you dont have to answer.

That's interesting aussielou, but in this particular case it looks as though it went much, much further than simply failing to mention her previous health history. There was a whole grievance procedure, which evidently she lost.
I don't know any more about the story, but just from reading the link it really sounds as though she not only failed to declare it (which morally speaking is fair enough, given attitudes to mental health), but then persisted in making some kind of claim when she had to retire (apparently) due to illness of a kind she had before.

We clearly do not know all the facts of this case.

This sentence in the report made me think:

"Her time at the council was marked by a series of top-level disputes with allegations and counter-allegations of inappropriate conduct and bullying."

I wonder whether she was the victim of bullying, which may have aggravated her underlying mental health issues.